BlackRock warns it's ‘increasingly cautious' on U.S. stocks

Core Viewpoint - BlackRock has adopted a cautious outlook on the U.S. stock market due to rising policy uncertainty that may hinder economic growth and stock performance [2][3]. Group 1: Investment Outlook - BlackRock has shifted its U.S. stock weighting from 'Overweight' to 'Neutral' for a three-month tactical horizon, reflecting a decision to reduce risk exposure amid heightened market uncertainty [3]. - The firm is lowering its exposure to Chinese equities while increasing its preference for short-term U.S. Treasuries, which are considered safer during potential market disruptions [4]. Group 2: Long-term Perspective - Despite short-term caution, BlackRock maintains a positive long-term view on American stocks, expecting the market to regain global leadership over time, supported by structural trends such as advancements in artificial intelligence [5]. - CEO Larry Fink indicated that a potential downturn in the stock market should be viewed as a buying opportunity, anticipating a market recovery [6]. Group 3: Market Sentiment - The recent sell-off in the stock market, attributed to trade tariffs, has led to a 2.5% increase in the S&P 500 as of the latest report [1]. - Goldman Sachs has also raised concerns about the stock market, suggesting that the recent sell-off could evolve into a long-lasting cyclical bear market, with recession risks estimated at a 45% chance [6].