Equity insights

Japan has historically been overlooked by international investors, but that’s changing – and fast. Data shows these investors are warming to Japanese stocks and looking at corporate reform, reflation, and growing domestic demand, it’s not hard to see why. We’re doubling down.

Things are looking up for European equities, after a decade of rock-bottom growth. Despite the good vibes, it’s important for investors to keep a cool head. Europe has always needed a targeted approach – and with dispersion rising, this time is no different.

We expect a “soft landing”, but investors still face uncertainties. What are the implications of policymakers’ caution on rate cuts? Are all the positives priced in or do stocks have more room to run? And might we be missing certain opportunities or risks? Drawing on our data-driven approach, we show how these questions are shaping our portfolios.

In these days of short-termism and day trading, we believe it is easy to lose sight of what you’re investing in and why. True business value is unlocked over years, not quarters. So if you’re investing for the long-term, shouldn’t you look beyond market noise?
Discover our dedicated unconstrained hub to learn more about our team's approach.

BlackRock’s World Healthscience team believes healthcare may be a compelling investment for those seeking to add resilience to their portfolios, given the sector’s limited reliance on external macroeconomic forces and long-term secular growth drivers such as an ageing population, emerging global wealth, innovation and technological breakthrough.

BlackRock’s thematic teams identified several key potential opportunities that may drive markets in 2024: greater reshoring of new technologies; further growth in the adoption of healthcare technology and generative AI; and the mixed picture that inflation presents for industries. In our Thematics Outlook, we take a deep dive into these themes.

Of the 5 ‘mega-forces’ reshaping economies and portfolios, one of the most capital-intensive is the transition to a low-carbon economy. It requires substantial reallocation of resources as supply chains, production processes and energy systems are rewired. One way to embody transition investing in portfolios is through our thematic equity funds.

2023 was somewhat a challenging year for the healthcare sector. While some pharmaceutical developers outperformed as GLP-1 drugs emerged as weight-loss treatments, companies offering Covid vaccines suffered an earnings slump. In 2024 we see growth potential fuelled by scientific innovation.

The race to build the smartest machines is a revolution akin to the industrial and information revolutions of the past. Already, generative AI is reshaping investment markets. Companies are racing to adopt the technology, and investors are struggling to disentangle hype from reality.