BlackRock Has Been De-Risking Across the Board, Koesterich Says

BlackRock’s portfolio manager Russ Koesterich confirmed the firm is aggressively reducing risk exposure across all asset classes amid an uncertain 2026 market environment. Koesterich emphasized the absence of reliable hedging options in current conditions, signaling heightened vulnerability to volatility without traditional safeguards. The de-risking strategy reflects BlackRock’s response to persistent macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, geopolitical tensions, and shifting central bank policies. No specific sectors or instruments were spared, indicating a broad-based pullback rather than targeted adjustments to individual holdings. The move underscores BlackRock’s defensive stance as institutional investors prioritize capital preservation over growth in a high-risk climate.