BlackRock(US:BLK) Reuters·2026-03-23 11:59Core Viewpoint - BlackRock's CEO Larry Fink emphasizes the importance of remaining invested during market volatility and highlights the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on investment strategies and the economy [1][4]. Group 1: Market Conditions - Global markets are experiencing significant volatility due to geopolitical tensions, particularly the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has led to increased oil prices and disrupted shipping routes, raising inflation concerns [2]. - There are growing worries about an economic slowdown, characterized by softening consumer spending and elevated interest rates, which are affecting investor sentiment [3]. Group 2: Impact of AI - AI is rapidly transforming industries and business models, presenting both challenges and opportunities for economic growth [5]. - Fink asserts that AI will create substantial economic value and is a key factor in the strategic competition between the U.S. and China [5]. - Historical trends indicate that transformative technologies like AI generate significant value, benefiting the companies that develop them and the investors who support them [6]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - Fink advises that maintaining investment positions is more crucial than timing the market, citing that investments in the S&P 500 have grown more than eightfold over the past two decades [4].