BlackRock, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. It also provides global risk management and advisory services. The firm manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. It also launches and manages open-end and closed-end mutual funds, offshore funds, unit trusts, and alternative investment vehicles including structured funds. The firm launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and real estate mutual funds. It also launches equity, fixed income, balanced, currency, commodity, and multi-asset exchange traded funds. The firm also launches and manages hedge funds. It invests in the public equity, fixed income, real estate, currency, commodity, and alternative markets across the globe. The firm primarily invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, SMID-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap companies. It also invests in dividend-paying equity securities. The firm invests in investment grade municipal securities, government securities including securities issued or guaranteed by a government or a government agency or instrumentality, corporate bonds, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. It employs fundamental and quantitative analysis with a focus on bottom-up and top-down approach to make its investments. The firm employs liquidity, asset allocation, balanced, real estate, and alternative strategies to make its investments. In real estate sector, it seeks to invest in Poland and Germany. The firm benchmarks the performance of its portfolios against various S&P, Russell, Barclays, MSCI, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch indices. BlackRock, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York City with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; London, United Kingdom; Gurgaon, India; Hong Kong; Greenwich, Connecticut; Princeton, New Jersey; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Taipei, Taiwan; Singapore; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia; Toronto, Canada; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Francisco, California.

BlackRock выглядит качественным бизнесом с сильной рентабельностью, но рынок уже закладывает очень дорогую оценку. Компания заметно превосходит отрасль по ROE, ROA и ROI, а также держит высокие операционные и чистые маржи, что подтверждает эффективность управления активами и масштабируемость модели. При этом выручка, активы и собственный капитал растут, что поддерживает фундаментальную устойчивость и говорит о расширении базы бизнеса. Долговая нагрузка умеренная: debt/equity ниже отраслевой медианы и снижается к более комфортным уровням, что уменьшает финансовые риски. Однако абсолютный долг и обязательства остаются значительными, поэтому баланс нельзя назвать безрисковым. Главный сдерживающий фактор — очень высокие мультипликаторы P/E, P/S, P/B и особенно P/FCF, которые существенно выше медианы отрасли и указывают на премию к сектору. Такая премия частично оправдана качеством прибыли и сильной доходностью капитала, но она ограничивает потенциал дальнейшего переоценивания. Динамика прибыли неоднозначна: TTM net income и operating income ниже более ранних уровней, что не поддерживает агрессивный рост оценки. EPS и прогноз EPS остаются высокими, но сам факт снижения прогноза относительно текущего уровня добавляет осторожности. Дивидендная доходность невысокая и не является ключевым драйвером инвестиционного кейса, хотя она выглядит стабильной. В сумме фундаментал скорее поддерживает премиальную оценку, чем оправдывает её расширение. Для инвестора это означает качественную, но уже дорогую историю, где апсайд зависит от дальнейшего роста прибыли и AUM, а не от дешёвой оценки.

BlackRock, Inc.

Сильная рентабельность и рост активов поддерживают BLK, но очень высокие мультипликаторы и слабее динамика прибыли ограничивают потенциал переоценки.

In a study of analyst recommendations at the major brokerages, for the underlying components of the S&P 500, Blackrock Inc (Symbol: BLK) has taken over the #24 spot from Diamondback Energy, Inc. (Symbol: FANG), according to ETF Channel. Below is a chart of Blackrock Inc versus Diamondback Energy, Inc. plotting their respective rank within the S&P 500 over time (BLK plotted in blue; FANG plotted in green):
Below is a three month price history chart comparing the stock performance of BLK vs. FANG:
BLK is currently trading up about 2.2%, while FANG is up about 0.7% midday Friday.
Further BLK Research:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Blackrock Takes Over #24 Spot From Diamondback Energy

Key Points
Megacap initial public offerings are attracting investor capital, which could be weighing on Bitcoin demand.
Flows into exchange-traded funds act as a mechanized lever that can pull asset prices higher and push them lower.
Buying Bitcoin requires a long-term mindset.
On June 5, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) fell below $60,000 for the first time since September 2024 in lockstep with a broader decline in tech stocks that dragged the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) down 4.2% for its worst day of 2026. Bitcoin is down more than 20% during the past month.
Here's the surprising reason the planned SpaceX initial public offering (IPO) could be partially to blame for the crypto sell-off, as well as a look at whether Bitcoin is a good buy now.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
Bitcoin ownership extends far beyond crypto wallets
In the early days of Bitcoin, the primary way to own it was through cold storage -- which is a cryptocurrency wallet that is not connected to the internet. This private set of keys provides maximum security, but it is inconvenient to transfer and costly to exchange. Hot wallets gained popularity once low-cost platforms like Coinbase Global and Robinhood Markets made it easy for investors to buy and sell Bitcoin and exchange it for other cryptocurrencies.
As Wall Street's long-term confidence in Bitcoin grew, so did institutional adoption and the methods investors could use to get access to Bitcoin. One of the biggest events in Bitcoin's recent history came on Jan. 5, 2024, when BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) launched the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (NASDAQ: IBIT). The fund buys and holds Bitcoin in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) -- collecting a 0.25% fee for doing so. The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF opened the floodgates to Bitcoin ownership, providing an easy way to own Bitcoin through a brokerage account and, more importantly, through individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
The fund has attracted a deluge of capital. As of June 4, it held 774,434.1 Bitcoins valued at $49.4 billion. Bitcoin's maximum supply is 21 million, and the current supply is about 20 million, meaning the ETF holds 3.7% of all the Bitcoins that will ever be mined.
Being able to buy and hold Bitcoin on multiple platforms effectively boosted Bitcoin's demand by making it more accessible. For context, assets in IRAs totaled $19.2 trillion at the end of 2025. Meaning that if Americans collectively put 6% of their IRA funds in Bitcoin, it would be roughly equal to the entire value of the cryptocurrency.
The double-edged sword of Bitcoin ETF ownership
The best long-term yardstick for measuring a company's progress is earnings growth. Companies with earnings that consistently grow generate a high return on capital and have a very good chance of being good investments. But Bitcoin doesn't have earnings, quarterly reports, or management teams to hold accountable. Rather, its price is driven by demand. And a great way to measure Bitcoin demand is to look at ETF flows.
Investors poured money into the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF in 2024 and for most of 2025. But since the Bitcoin sell-off gained steam in November 2025, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF has experienced significant outflows.
Bitcoin hit an all-time high in October 2025, during which the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF had $4.28 billion in inflows. In November 2025, it had $2.37 billion in outflows as the sell-off intensified. Until that point, the largest month of outflows was in February 2025, at just $167.4 million. May 2026 saw $1.32 billion in outflows. The ETF has already experienced $1.24 billion in outflows less than a week into June 2026.
ETFs can work for and against Bitcoin. When inflows are pouring in, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF uses investor money to buy Bitcoin in the spot market, driving demand. And when outflows are rising, the fund sells Bitcoin on the spot market to return money to shareholders in cash -- creating downward pressure on Bitcoin's price.
The vacuum of SpaceX
Investing involves opportunity costs. Buying a stock requires exchanging money you could have spent today for an opportunity to have more money in the future. Similarly, investing in a cryptocurrency rather than stocks, bonds, Treasury Bills, or precious metals incurs an opportunity cost.
With Bitcoin failing to serve as a good hedge against inflation and not offering a yield for generating passive income, some investors may have become frustrated by its declining returns. Especially as Bitcoin has continued to fall while the Nasdaq and gold have performed exceptionally well during the past year.
Another factor that could be adding to the Bitcoin sell-off is the SpaceX IPO. Since SpaceX filed its Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 20, Bitcoin has fallen 20.7% at the time of this writing.
SpaceX plans to raise $75 billion at a $1.77 trillion valuation for the company, making it one of the world's biggest. It has a unique lockup policy that will let insiders sell shares much sooner than the traditional 180-day waiting period. This new policy could quickly increase the shares available for public trading, known as the float, far past $75 billion in the coming months.
Although SpaceX won't be added to the S&P 500 for at least 12 months after it goes public, it may still get added to the Nasdaq-100 (the 100 largest nonfinancial companies by market cap on the Nasdaq exchange) shortly after going public and will be in high demand from ETFs that don't use the S&P 500 as a benchmark.
SpaceX will generate demand for capital normally allocated to Bitcoin ETF flows. What's more, Anthropic and OpenAI are both expected to go public later this year, which will attract even more capital, potentially away from other asset classes.
In sum, the institutionalization of Bitcoin expanded demand beyond a niche asset class -- driving Bitcoin's price higher. However, Bitcoin's price is now vulnerable to Wall Street and corporate sentiment rather than crypto-only investors. Institutions may be less interested in Bitcoin during a period when three high-profile companies are hitting public markets in a matter of months.
Integrating Bitcoin into a diversified portfolio
The Bitcoin sell-off is a good time for investors to decide what role (if any) they want Bitcoin to play in their portfolios. Some investors may find Bitcoin's attributes as a secure, decentralized, transferable store of value with a limited supply and independent of any government-controlled (fiat) currency appealing and worthy of allocating a small percentage of their portfolio to.
However, because gold has proven to be a better hedge against inflation and has real-world use cases, some investors may prefer to fill that role with gold instead of Bitcoin, whereas others may want to own Bitcoin alongside other cryptocurrencies with more practical use cases in decentralized finance and smart contracts.
In sum, blockbuster IPOs may not be the sole cause of the Bitcoin sell-off, but they are certainly not doing any favors for Bitcoin demand. So, investors should ensure they are buying Bitcoin with an investment horizon of at least five years, alongside a diversified portfolio of other assets to filter out the noise in case the sell-off intensifies.
Should you buy stock in iShares Bitcoin Trust right now?
Before you buy stock in iShares Bitcoin Trust, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and iShares Bitcoin Trust wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $443,191!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,258,838!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 941% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2026.
Daniel Foelber has the following options: short June 2026 $45 puts on iShares Bitcoin Trust. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, BlackRock, and iShares Bitcoin Trust. The Motley Fool recommends Coinbase Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

The Surprising Reason the SpaceX IPO Could Be Fueling the Bitcoin Sell-Off

The AI Build-Out Is Just Getting Started

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Thursday closed up +0.41%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +1.73%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.53%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM26) rose +0.36%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM26) fell -0.47%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Thursday, with the Dow Jones industrials posting a new all-time high. The overall market shook off early weakness on Thursday and pushed higher as a -3% plunge in crude oil prices knocked T-note yields lower, with the 10-year T-note yield falling -2 bp to 4.47%. Also, the rally in bank stocks and managed healthcare companies lifted the broader market, pushing the Dow Jones Industrial Average to a new record high.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
The weakness in technology stocks on Thursday weighed on the broader market, keeping the Nasdaq 100 in negative territory. Broadcom fell more than -12% to lead chipmakers lower after its forecast for artificial-intelligence revenue in the current quarter fell short of expectations. Also, CrowdStrike Holdings closed down more than -3% to lead cybersecurity stocks lower, despite reporting better-than-expected Q1 earnings, as the report wasn’t strong enough to lift the stock, which has more than doubled from a March low.
Weaker crude oil prices are a positive factor for stocks and bonds, as WTI crude oil fell more than -3% on Thursday after the US late Wednesday said Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire if Hezbollah also stops fighting and withdraws militants from areas near the border with Israel. Iran insists a peace deal with the US requires a ceasefire in Lebanon. The agreement would require the Lebanese army to take over after the withdrawal of Israeli troops. However, Hezbollah militants said they refused to abide by the conditions of the ceasefire announced by the US State Department, and clashes continued in southern Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that “Communications between Iran and the US have not been cut off, but no tangible progress has been achieved in the negotiating process.”
Thursday’s US economic news was mixed for stocks after weekly jobless claims rose more than expected to a 3.75-month high and Q1 nonfarm productivity was revised lower. Conversely, Q1 unit labor costs were unexpectedly revised lower, easing concerns over wage pressures.
US weekly initial unemployment claims rose +13,000 to a 3.75-month high of 225,000, showing a weaker labor market than expectations of 215,000.
US Q1 nonfarm productivity was revised downward to 0.3% from the previously reported 0.8%, weaker than expectations of 0.4%. Q1 unit labor costs were unexpectedly revised downward to 1.8% from 2.3%, weaker than expectations of an upward revision to 2.4%.
The markets are discounting a 2% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on June 16-17.
The generally favorable Q1 earnings season is winding down. As of Thursday, 83% of the 494 S&P 500 companies that reported Q1 earnings have beaten estimates. Q1 S&P 500 earnings are projected to climb +12% y/y, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Stripping out the technology sector, Q1 earnings are projected to increase around +3%, the weakest in two years.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Thursday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +0.82%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -0.64%. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average closed down -1.36%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) on Thursday closed up +4.5 ticks, and the 10-year T-note yield fell -2.4 bp to 4.471%. T-note prices moved higher on Thursday, supported by a -3% decline in WTI crude oil prices, which has lowered inflation expectations. The 10-year breakeven inflation rate fell to a 6-week low of 2.365% on Thursday. Fed-friendly US economic news was also positive for T-notes, following weekly jobless claims that rose more than expected and Q1 unit labor costs that were unexpectedly revised lower. T-notes fell back from their best level as stocks rebounded, dampening safe-haven demand for government debt securities.
European government bond yields moved lower on Thursday. The 10-year German Bund yield fell from a 1.5-week high of 3.043% and finished down -1.3 bp to 3.023%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -3.3 bp to 4.898%.
Eurozone Apr retail sales fell -0.4% m/m, weaker than expectations of -0.3% m/m.
Swaps are discounting a 98% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on June 11.
US Stock Movers
Humana (HUM) closed up more than +6% to lead managed healthcare stocks higher and gainers in the S&P 500 after Morgan Stanley raised its price target on the stock to $240 from $217. Also, Centene (CNC) closed up more than +5%, and UnitedHealth Group (UNH) closed up more than +5% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after Bank of America Global Research upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $450. In addition, Elevance Health (ELV) and Molina Healthcare(MOH) closed up more than +4%, and Cigna Group (CI) and CVS Health (CVS) closed up more than +3%. Finally, Cardinal Health (CAH) closed up more than +2%.
Asset managers and bank stocks rallied on Thursday, lifting the broader market. Blackstone (BX) closed up more than +7% to lead gainers in the S&P 500, and Franklin Resources (BEN) closed up more than +5%. Also, Goldman Sachs (GS), Fifth Third Bank (FITB), and US Bancorp (USB) closed up more than +4%. In addition, JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Morgan Stanley (MS), Citigroup (C), Wells Fargo (WFC), Citizens Financial Group (CFG), M&T Bank (MTB), and BlackRock (BLK) closed up more than +3%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks retreated on Thursday, led by a -12% plunge in Broadcom (AVGO), the largest decliner in the Nasdaq 100, after giving an outlook that was seen as underwhelming, given the industry’s AI-related demand. Also, Micron Technology (MU) closed down more than -7%, and ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) closed down more than -4%. In addition, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Qualcomm (QCOM), Sandisk (SNDK), and Western Digital (WDC) closed down more than -3%, and Lam Research (LRCX) and Analog Devices (ADI) closed down more than -2%.
Medtronic Plc (MDT) closed up more than +5% after BTIG LLC upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $90.
RTX Corp (RTX) closed up +4% after Jeffries upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $220.
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY) closed up more than +3% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after entering into a strategic AI collaboration with Inceptive Nucleics valued at up to $2 billion to accelerate the discovery and design of RNAi therapeutics.
Brown-Forman (BF.B) closed up more than +2% after reporting Q4 gross margin of 62.6%, stronger than the consensus of 57.5%.
Zoetis (ZTS) closed up more than +2% after KeyBanc Capital Markets said the cattle screwworm parasite could be a potential catalyst for the company’s livestock portfolios, as it has approved medications to prevent and treat the parasite in livestock.
PVH Corp (PVH) closed down more than -20% after forecasting 2027 adjusted EPS of $11.80 to $12.10, weaker than the consensus of $12.24.
Ciena Corp (CIEN) closed down more than -13% to lead losers in the S&P 500 despite reporting better-than-expected Q2 earnings, as Bloomberg Intelligence said the company’s full-year sales outlook may be viewed as underwhelming amid heightened expectations.
Five Below (FIVE) closed down more than -13% despite reporting stronger-than-expected Q1 earnings results, as Jeffries said the company’s growth rate might be peaking.
CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) closed down more than -3% after its Q1 earnings beat wasn’t strong enough to lift the stock, which has more than doubled from a March low.
AT&T (T) closed down more than -3% and Verizon Communications (VZ) closed down more than -3% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after the US Supreme Court ruled that telecommunications companies can’t immediately demand a jury trial when hit with a Federal Communications Commission fine.
Earnings Reports(6/5/2026)
ABM Industries Inc (ABM), G-III Apparel Group Ltd (GIII), Lifezone Metals Ltd (LZM).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Rebound on Strength in Banks and Managed Healthcare

The global private credit market, long praised for delivering attractive yields in a low-interest-rate environment, is facing a significant stress test as rising investor withdrawal requests expose a fundamental challenge: the mismatch between illiquid assets and periodic liquidity promises.
The concerns intensified after a Seeking Alpha report published on MSN revealed that Cliffwater’s Corporate Lending Fund, which manages approximately $31 billion in assets, received second-quarter redemption requests totaling about 17% of outstanding shares. Under its standard quarterly liquidity program, the fund repurchased only 5% of shares, leaving a substantial portion of investors unable to fully withdraw their capital. The surge in redemption requests, up from roughly 14% in the first quarter, underscores growing caution among investors toward private-credit vehicles.
The news weighed on shares of major alternative asset managers, including KKR & Co. KKR, Blackstone, Inc. BX, Blue Owl Capital OWL, Apollo Global Management APO and BlackRock BLK. Yesterday, KKR shares fell 4.2%, Blackstone declined 4%, Apollo Global fell 3.4%, and Blue Owl and BlackRock plunged 3.8% and 2.8%, respectively.
Private Credit: Redemption Wave and Rising Investor Anxiety
Private credit expanded rapidly in recent years as investors sought higher yields and asset managers pushed products beyond traditional institutional buyers into the wealth-management channel. However, the industry-wide wave of withdrawals stems from lingering market unease over loan quality, as well as investor fears surrounding exposure to software and middle-market companies vulnerable to artificial intelligence disruptions.
While many private-credit funds offer periodic redemption windows to enhance accessibility, their portfolios consist largely of privately negotiated loans that cannot be readily sold without potential discounts. As a result, elevated withdrawal requests are highlighting liquidity constraints that have remained largely untested during the industry's growth phase.
The pressure is not limited to Cliffwater. Earlier this year, BlackRock restricted withdrawals from a flagship private-credit fund after redemption requests surged, while Blackstone increased its redemption cap from 5% to 7% in response to rising investor demand for liquidity. These steps have intensified scrutiny of semi-liquid private-market vehicles and raised questions about whether such structures are suitable for investors seeking regular access to capital.
The recent surge in redemption requests has put the private-credit industry under increased scrutiny, forcing leading alternative asset managers, including BLK, BX, APO, OWL and KKR, to navigate a more cautious investor environment. The trend has reignited concerns about whether direct-lending vehicles are well-suited for investors who expect periodic liquidity despite the illiquid nature of the underlying assets.
Going forward, a key question will be whether redemption activity moderates or spreads more broadly across the sector. Sustained outflows could compel asset managers to maintain larger cash reserves, slow the pace of new lending, or rethink fund structures to better align liquidity terms with portfolio holdings. Such adjustments could weigh on returns and temper growth in a market that has emerged as a major profit driver for Wall Street.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
See Stocks Now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Alternative Managers Shares Slip as Cliffwater Redemption Fears Mount

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Wednesday closed down -0.74%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down -1.21%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.29%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM26) fell -0.78%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM26) fell -0.32%.
Stock indexes retreated on Wednesday, with the Nasdaq 100 falling from a new record high. The broader market was under pressure on Wednesday as the US and Iran clashed overnight, sending WTI crude oil prices up more than +2% to a 1.5-week high and putting peace plans in doubt. In addition, weakness in software companies, cybersecurity, and private credit stocks on Wednesday weighed on the overall market.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Crude oil price jumped more than +2% on Wednesday after US forces intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones aimed at neighboring Gulf states, escalating tensions and reducing chances that the Strait of Hormuz will open any time soon. The Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that “Communications between Iran and the US have not been cut off, but no tangible progress has been achieved in the negotiating process.”
On the positive side, AI-infrastructure spending continues to support technology stocks. Marvell Technology rose more than +3% on Wednesday, adding to Tuesday’s 32% surge, to lead chipmakers higher after Nvidia CEO Huang predicted the company would be the next to hit a $1 trillion valuation, more than five times its current market capitalization.
Signs of strength in the US economy are also supportive of stocks after Wednesday’s reports showed the May ADP employment change, the May ISM services index, and Apr factory orders rose more than expected.
The US May ADP employment change rose 122,000, slightly stronger than expectations of 120,000 and the biggest increase in 16 months.
The US May ISM services index rose +0.9 to 54.5, stronger than expectations of 53.8. The May ISM services prices paid sub-index rose +0.6 to a 3.75-year high of 71.3, although below expectations of 72.3.
US Apr factory orders rose +4.8% m/m, stronger than expectations of +4.6% m/m and the largest increase in 11 months.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -2.5% in the week ended May 29, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -2.9% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index down -2.3%. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell -8 bp to 6.57% from 6.65% in the prior week.
The Fed Beige Book was hawkish, stating slight to moderate economic growth across most Fed districts through May 27, with employment little changed and most of the 12 Fed districts reporting higher inflation than in the previous report.
New York Fed President John Williams said, "Monetary policy is exactly in the right place. I don't see any need to raise or lower interest rates right now."
The markets are discounting a 3% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on June 16-17.
The generally favorable Q1 earnings season is winding down. As of Wednesday, 84% of the 485 S&P 500 companies that reported Q1 earnings have beaten estimates. Q1 S&P 500 earnings are projected to climb +12% y/y, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Stripping out the technology sector, Q1 earnings are projected to increase around +3%, the weakest in two years.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Wednesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down -0.89%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.22%. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average rallied to a new record high and closed up +2.50%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) on Wednesday closed down -8 ticks, and the 10-year T-note yield rose +4.6 bp to 4.489%. T-note prices were under pressure on Wednesday amid an escalation of US-Iran tensions, which lifted WTI crude oil by more than +2% to a 1.5-week high, boosting inflation expectations. T-notes added to their losses on Wednesday after US economic reports showed the May ADP employment change, the May ISM services index, and Apr factory orders rose more than expected, hawkish factors for Fed policy. The Fed Beige Book also reported rising inflation pressures and was bearish for T-notes.
European government bond yields moved higher on Wednesday. The 10-year German Bund yield climbed to a 1.5-week high of 3.042% and finished up +6.0 bp to 3.035%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose to a 1.5-week high of 4.939% and finished up +7.2 bp to 4.931%.
The Eurozone May S&P composite PMI was revised upward by +1.0 to 48.5 from the previously reported 47.5.
Eurozone Apr PPI rose +4.9% y/y, right on expectations and the fastest pace of increase in more than 3 years.
The UK May S&P services PMI was revised upward by +1.4 to 49.3 from the previously reported 47.9.
Swaps are discounting a 98% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on June 11.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks sold off on Wednesday, pressuring the broader market. Datadog (DDOG), Atlassian Corp (TEAM), and ServiceNow (NOW) closed down more than -7%, and International Business Machines (IBM) closed down more than -6% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, Palantir Technologies (PLTR) closed down more than -6%, and Oracle (ORCL) closed down more than -5%. In addition, Salesforce (CRM) closed down more than -4%, and Autodesk (ADSK) and Intuit (INTU) closed more than -3%. Finally, Microsoft (MSFT) and Adobe Systems (ADBE) closed down more than -2%, and Workday (WDAY) closed down more than -1%.
Cybersecurity stocks retreated on Wednesday, led by a -7% decline in Okta (OKTA) and a -6% decline in Zscaler (ZS). Also, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) closed down more than -5% despite reporting better-than-expected Q3 earnings, as it failed to meet elevated buy-side expectations. In addition, Cloudflare (NET) and CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) closed down more than -2%, and Fortinet (FTNT) closed down more than -1%.
Private credit stocks faltered on Wednesday as the 17% redemption requests for Cliffwater’s private credit fund weighed on alternative asset stocks. Carlyle Group (CG) closed down more than -4%, and Ares Management (ARES), KKR & Co (KKR), Blackstone (BX), and Blue Owl Capital (OWL) closed down more than -3%. Also, Apollo Global Management (APO) and BlackRock (BLK) closed down more than -2%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks rallied on Wednesday, providing support to the overall market. Sandisk (SNDK) closed up more than +6% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100, and Western Digital (WDC) closed up more than +5%. Also, Intel (INTC), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and ON Semiconductor (ON) closed up more than +4%,and Analog Devices (ADI), KLA Corp (KLAC), and Qualcomm (QCOM) closed up more than +3%. In addition, Applied Materials (AMAT), ARM Holdings Plc (ARM), and Lam Research (LRCX) closed up more than +2%.
Global Payments (GPN) closed down more than -8% after Susquehanna cut its price target on the stock to $111 from $119, noting that Middle East travel exposure will remain a “burden.”
Ulta Beauty (ULTA) closed down more than -4% after analysts noted the company’s annual guidance implies the outlook for the second half of the year is weaker than expected.
Gitlab (GTLB) closed down more than -2% after announcing that it will cut about 14% of its workforce and exit 22 countries as part of a restructuring.
Medtronic Plc (MDT) closed up more than +6% after reporting Q4 revenue of $9.81 billion, above the consensus of $9.64 billion.
GameStop (GME) closed up more than +6% after reporting Q1 net sales rose +14% y/y to $835.3 million and said its board of directors approved a $2 billion share repurchase authorization.
Meta Platforms (META) closed up more than +4% after announcing it is selling access to an artificial intelligence agent called Meta Business Agent, which will chat with a business’s customers over WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram.
Marvel Technology (MRVL) closed up more than +3% today, adding to Tuesday’s +32% surge, after Nvidia CEO Huang predicted that the company will be the next to hit a $1 trillion valuation, more than five times its current market capitalization.
Sherwin-Williams (SHW) closed up more than +1% after the company and Nippon Paint abandoned efforts to jointly acquire Akzo Nobel.
Earnings Reports(6/4/2026)
Brown-Forman Corp (BF/B), Ciena Corp (CIEN), Cooper Cos Inc/The (COO), Docusign Inc (DOCU), Guidewire Software Inc (GWRE), Lululemon Athletica Inc (LULU), Rubrik Inc (RBRK), Samsara Inc (IOT), Toro Co/The (TTC).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Retreat as US-Iran Peace Hopes in Doubt

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.40%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.74%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.08%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM26) are down -0.48%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM26) are down -0.08%.
Stock indexes are sliding today, with the Nasdaq 100 falling from a new record high. The broader market is under pressure today as the US and Iran clashed overnight, sending WTI crude oil prices up more than +1% to a 1.5-week high. Shortly after disabling an empty oil tanker heading back to Iran, the US military said it came under missile and drone attacks as Iran targeted the US’s Bahrain naval base and the Ali Al-Salem airbase in Kuwait. US forces struck a communications tower on the Iranian island of Qeshm near the Strait of Hormuz as part of the skirmishes. In addition, weakness in software companies, cybersecurity, and private credit stocks today is weighing on the overall market.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
On the positive side, AI-infrastructure spending continues to support technology stocks. Marvell Technology is up more than +7% today, adding to Tuesday’s 32% surge, to lead chipmakers higher after Nvidia CEO Huang predicted the company would be the next to hit a $1 trillion valuation, more than five times its current market capitalization.
Signs of strength in the US economy are also supportive of stocks after today’s reports showed the May ADP employment change, the May ISM services index, and Apr factory orders rose more than expected.
The US May ADP employment change rose 122,000, slightly stronger than expectations of 120,000 and the biggest increase in 16 months.
The US May ISM services index rose +0.9 to 54.5, stronger than expectations of 53.8. The May ISM services prices paid sub-index rose +0.6 to a 3.75-year high of 71.3, although below expectations of 72.3.
US Apr factory orders rose +4.8% m/m, stronger than expectations of +4.6% m/m and the largest increase in 11 months.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -2.5% in the week ended May 29, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -2.9% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index down -2.3%. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell -8 bp to 6.57% from 6.65% in the prior week.
The markets are discounting a 3% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on June 16-17.
The generally favorable Q1 earnings season is winding down. As of today, 84% of the 485 S&P 500 companies that reported Q1 earnings have beaten estimates. Q1 S&P 500 earnings are projected to climb +12% y/y, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Stripping out the technology sector, Q1 earnings are projected to increase around +3%, the weakest in two years.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.66%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.22%. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average rallied to a new record high and closed up +2.50%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) today are down -6 ticks, and the 10-year T-note yield is up +3.7 bp to 4.481%. T-note prices are under pressure today as an escalation of US-Iran tensions lifted WTI crude oil by more than +1% to a 1.5-week high, boosting inflation expectations. T-notes added to their losses today after US economic reports showed the May ADP employment change, the May ISM services index, and Apr factory orders rose more than expected, hawkish factors for Fed policy.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German Bund yield is up +4.5 bp to 3.019%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +5.2 bp to 4.911%.
The Eurozone May S&P composite PMI was revised upward by +1.0 to 48.5 from the previously reported 47.5.
Eurozone Apr PPI rose +4.9% y/y, right on expectations and the fastest pace of increase in more than 3 years.
The UK May S&P services PMI was revised upward by +1.4 to 49.3 from the previously reported 47.9.
Swaps are discounting a 97% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on June 11.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks are sliding today, pressuring the broader market. Datadog (DDOG) is down more than -8% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and International Business Machines (IBM) is down more than -6% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, Atlassian Corp (TEAM) is down more than -6%, and Oracle (ORCL) is down more than -5%. In addition, ServiceNow (NOW), Salesforce (CRM), and Palantir Technologies (PLTR) are down more than -4%, and Microsoft (MSFT) and Intuit (INTU) are down more than -3%. Finally, Workday (WDAY), Autodesk (ADSK), and Adobe Systems (ADBE) are down more than -2%.
Cybersecurity stocks are retreating today, led by a -6% decline in Palo Alto Networks (PANW) despite reporting better-than-expected Q3 earnings, as it failed to meet elevated buy-side expectations. Also, Okta (OKTA) is down more than -6%, and Zscaler (ZS) is down more than -5%. In addition, Cloudflare (NET) is down more than -3%, CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) is down more than -1%, and Fortinet (FTNT) is down -0.45%.
Private credit stocks are faltering today as the 17% redemption requests for Cliffwater’s private credit fund weighed on alternative asset stocks. Ares Management (ARES) and KKR & Co (KKR) are down more than -5%, and Carlyle Group (CG) and Blackstone (BX) are down more than -4%. Also, Apollo Global Management (APO) is down more than -3%, and Blue Owl Capital (OWL) and BlackRock (BLK) are down more than -2%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are climbing today, providing support to the overall market. Western Digital (WDC) is up more than +6% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, and Sandisk (SNDK), Intel (INTC), and Qualcomm (QCOM) are up more than +4%. Also, Applied Materials (AMAT), ON Semiconductor (ON), and Seagate Technology Holdings Plc are up more than +3%, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Lam Research (LRCX), Analog Devices (ADI), and KLA Corp (KLAC) are up more than +2%.
Ulta Beauty (ULTA) is down more than -4% after analysts noted the company’s annual guidance implies the outlook for the second half of the year is weaker than expected.
Gitlab (GTLB) is down more than -3% after announcing that it will cut about 14% of its workforce and exit 22 countries as part of a restructuring.
GameStop (GME) is up more than +7% after reporting Q1 net sales rose +14% y/y to $835.3 million and said its board of directors approves a $2 billion share repurchase authorization.
Marvel Technology (MRVL) is up more than +6% today, adding to Tuesday’s +32% surge, after Nvidia CEO Huang predicted that the company will be the next to hit a $1 trillion valuation, more than five times its current market capitalization.
Medtronic Plc (MDT) is up more than +4% after reporting Q4 revenue of $9.81 billion, above the consensus of $9.64 billion.
Sherwin-Williams (SHW) is up more than +2% after the company and Nippon Paint abandoned efforts to jointly acquire Akzo Nobel.
IREN Ltd (IREN) is up more than +1% after signing a transmission connection agreement to support a planned 800-megawatt data center campus in Bundey, South Australia.
Earnings Reports(6/3/2026)
Broadcom Inc (AVGO), CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (CRWD), Five Below Inc (FIVE), Macy's Inc (M), Medtronic PLC (MDT), Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holding (OLLI), PVH Corp (PVH), Thor Industries Inc (THO), Veeva Systems Inc (VEEV).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Fall on Escalation of US-Iran Hostilities

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.57%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.58%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.60%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM26) are down -0.50%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM26) are down -0.52%.
Stock indexes are under pressure today, with the Nasdaq 100 falling from a new record high. The broader market is under pressure today as the US and Iran clashed overnight, sending WTI crude oil prices up more than +1% to a 1.5-week high. Shortly after disabling an empty oil tanker heading back to Iran, the US military said it came under missile and drone attacks as Iran targeted the US’s Bahrain naval base and the Ali Al-Salem airbase in Kuwait. US forces struck a communications tower on the Iranian island of Qeshm near the Strait of Hormuz as part of the skirmishes. In addition, weakness in software companies and private credit stocks today is weighing on the overall market.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
On the positive side, AI-infrastructure spending continues to support technology stocks. Marvell Technology is up more than +6% today, adding to Tuesday’s 32% surge, to lead chipmakers higher after Nvidia CEO Huang predicted the company would be the next to hit a $1 trillion valuation, more than five times its current market capitalization.
Signs of strength in the US labor market are also supportive of economic growth and stocks, after the May ADP employment change rose 122,000, slightly stronger than expectations of 120,000 and the biggest increase in 16 months.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -2.5% in the week ended May 29, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -2.9% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index down -2.3%. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell -8 bp to 6.57% from 6.65% in the prior week.
The markets are discounting a 3% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on June 16-17.
The generally favorable Q1 earnings season is winding down. As of today, 84% of the 485 S&P 500 companies that reported Q1 earnings have beaten estimates. Q1 S&P 500 earnings are projected to climb +12% y/y, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Stripping out the technology sector, Q1 earnings are projected to increase around +3%, the weakest in two years.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.63%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.22%. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average rallied to a new record high and closed up +2.50%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) today are down -10 ticks, and the 10-year T-note yield is up +4.5 bp to 4.489%. T-note prices are under pressure today as an escalation of US-Iran tensions lifted WTI crude oil by more than +1% to a 1.5-week high, boosting inflation expectations. T-notes added to their losses today after the May ADP employment change rose more than expected and posted its largest increase in 16 months, a hawkish factor for Fed policy.
European government bond yields moved lower on Tuesday. The 10-year German Bund yield is up +3.5 bp to 3.009%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +4.8 bp to 4.907%.
The Eurozone May S&P composite PMI was revised upward by +1.0 to 48.5 from the previously reported 47.5.
Eurozone Apr PPI rose +4.9% y/y, right on expectations and the fastest pace of increase in more than 3 years.
The UK May S&P services PMI was revised upward by +1.4 to 49.3 from the previously reported 47.9.
Swaps are discounting a 97% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on June 11.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks are sliding today, pressuring the broader market. Atlassian Corp (TEAM) and Datadog (DDOG) are down more than -7%, and International Business Machines (IBM) is down more than -6% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, Oracle (ORCL) and ServiceNow (NOW) are down more than -5%, and Palantir Technologies (PLTR) is down more than -4%. In addition, Workday (WDAY) and Salesforce (CRM) are down more than -3%, and Intuit (INTU), Autodesk (ADSK), and Adobe Systems (ADBE) are down more than -2%.
Private credit stocks are faltering today as the 17% redemption requests for Cliffwater’s private credit fund weighed on alternative asset stocks. Ares Management (ARES) and Carlyle Group (CG) are down more than -4%, and Blackstone (BX), KKR & Co (KKR), and Blue Owl Capital (OWL) are down more than -3%. Also, Apollo Global Management (APO) and BlackRock (BLK) are down more than -2%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are climbing today, providing support to the overall market. Intel (INTC) is up more than +7% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, and Western Digital (WDC) is up more than +5%. Also, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Applied Materials (AMAT), and Seagate Technology Holdings Plc are up more than +2%. In addition, Lam Research (LRCX), ON Semiconductor (ON), and ASML Holding NV (ASML) are up more than +1%.
Gitlab (GTLB) is down more than -7% after announcing that it will cut about 14% of its workforce and exit 22 countries as part of a restructuring.
Ulta Beauty (ULTA) is down more than -6% after analysts noted the company’s annual guidance implies the outlook for the second half of the year is weaker than expected.
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is down more than -5% despite reporting better-than-expected Q3 earnings, as it failed to meet elevated buy-side expectations.
GameStop (GME) is up more than +8% after reporting Q1 net sales rose +14% y/y to $835.3 million and said its board of directors approves a $2 billion share repurchase authorization.
Marvel Technology (MRVL) is up more than +4% today, adding to Tuesday’s +32% surge, after Nvidia CEO Huang predicted that the company will be the next to hit a $1 trillion valuation, more than five times its current market capitalization.
Medtronic Plc (MDT) is up more than +4% after reporting Q4 revenue of $9.81 billion, above the consensus of $9.64 billion.
IREN Ltd (IREN) is up more than +3% after signing a transmission connection agreement to support a planned 800-megawatt data center campus in Bundey, South Australia.
Sherwin-Williams (SHW) is up more than +2% after the company and Nippon Paint abandoned efforts to jointly acquire Akzo Nobel.
Earnings Reports(6/3/2026)
Broadcom Inc (AVGO), CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (CRWD), Five Below Inc (FIVE), Macy's Inc (M), Medtronic PLC (MDT), Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holding (OLLI), PVH Corp (PVH), Thor Industries Inc (THO), Veeva Systems Inc (VEEV).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Pressured as Middle East Flare-Ups Boost Crude Oil

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (Symbol: XLF) where we have detected an approximate $419.4 million dollar outflow -- that's a 0.8% decrease week over week (from 965,845,427 to 957,695,427). Among the largest underlying components of XLF, in trading today Blackrock Inc (Symbol: BLK) is off about 2.9%, The Charles Schwab Corporation (Symbol: SCHW) is down about 1.8%, and Standard and Poors Global Inc (Symbol: SPGI) is lower by about 2.3%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the XLF Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XLF, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, XLF's low point in its 52 week range is $47.67 per share, with $56.515 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $50.65. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Further XLF Research:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Noteworthy ETF Outflows: XLF, BLK, SCHW, SPGI

Franklin Resources BEN is sharpening its focus on digital assets at a time when institutional interest in crypto-linked investment products is steadily maturing. The planned acquisition of 250 Digital, a cryptocurrency investment firm spun out of CoinFund, marks a strategic step by BEN toward expanding its capabilities and strengthening its presence in active digital asset management.
Alongside the deal, Franklin is launching Franklin Crypto, a dedicated unit aimed at expanding its institutional-grade crypto capabilities. In February 2026, the company partnered with Binance to launch an off-exchange institutional collateral program designed to improve capital efficiency and reduce counterparty risks in digital asset trading.
The initiative aligns with Franklin's long-term strategy of expanding beyond traditional mutual funds and actively diversifying its revenue streams. Past acquisitions, including Putnam Investments and Apera Asset Management, have strengthened its alternatives platform, which now oversees approximately $270 billion in alternative assets.
Digital assets represent a natural extension of this diversification strategy. As institutional investors seek regulated exposure to cryptocurrencies, tokenized assets, blockchain infrastructure and decentralized finance, Franklin is positioning itself as an early mover among traditional asset managers. According to the April 2026 announcement, with $1.8 billion in digital asset asset under management (AUM) as of late 2025, the company already has a meaningful foundation on which to build.
From a financial standpoint, Franklin’s expanding digital asset platform has the potential to become a meaningful long-term growth catalyst. The company continues to contend with industry headwinds, such as fee compression in traditional asset management, ongoing net outflows in certain segments and intensifying competition from low-cost passive investment products. By increasing its exposure to digital assets and alternative investments, areas that typically generate higher fee margins than traditional index strategies, Franklin could strengthen revenue growth, enhance profitability and diversify its earnings base over time.
Other Firms Push Into Digital Assets
Major finance firms, including BlackRock, Inc. BLK and Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. IBKR, have also been expanding into digital assets.
Since the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, BlackRock’s flagship product, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), has surged ahead to become the company’s leading revenue generator, outperforming several of its long-established equity and fixed-income funds. As of March 31, 2026, BlackRock’s AUM under digital assets was $60.7 billion, signaling a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies within diversified portfolios.
In March 2026, Interactive Brokers launched a unified crypto trading platform for eligible individual investors in the European Economic Area through its regulated Ireland-based entity, Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited. The platform enables clients to trade digital assets and traditional securities within a single interface.
BEN’s Price Performance & Zacks Rank
The company’s shares have gained 38.4% in the past six months against the industry’s 6.5% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Currently, Franklin carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Radical New Technology Could Hand Investors Huge Gains
Quantum Computing is the next technological revolution, and it could be even more advanced than AI.
While some believed the technology was years away, it is already present and moving fast. Large hyperscalers, such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and even Meta and Tesla, are scrambling to integrate quantum computing into their infrastructure.
Senior Stock Strategist Kevin Cook reveals 7 carefully selected stocks poised to dominate the quantum computing landscape in his report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power.
Kevin was among the early experts who recognized NVIDIA's enormous potential back in 2016. Now, he has keyed in on what could be "the next big thing" in quantum computing supremacy. Today, you have a rare chance to position your portfolio at the forefront of this opportunity.
See Top Quantum Stocks Now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
BlackRock (BLK) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.