BlackRock CEO Larry Fink says Iran war will not derail economy despite surging gas prices

• Gas prices have jumped 22% to $3.58/gallon nationally since the U.S. struck Iran on February 28, but Fink predicts oil could fall below $50/barrel once the conflict ends
• BlackRock manages $14.5 trillion in mostly long-dated assets, with Fink telling investors the current volatility presents a 'good long-term opportunity' to buy
• Fink acknowledged the company pushed DEI and ESG initiatives too far five years ago, stating BlackRock has since adopted a more pragmatic approach and rolled back DEI programs in February 2025

Summary

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink stated that the U.S. war with Iran will not cause lasting economic damage, despite current volatility in energy markets. Speaking on Fox News, Fink expressed confidence that oil prices will revert to previous levels or potentially drop even lower.

Key Market Data:

• Gas prices surged to $3.58 per gallon nationally, up from $2.94 before U.S. strikes on Iran on February 28
• Fink predicts oil could fall below $50 per barrel if Iran is neutralized and allowed to resume selling oil globally
• BlackRock manages $14.5 trillion in assets, primarily long-dated investments

Investment Perspective:

Fink advised investors against panic-selling during the conflict, viewing current volatility as a buying opportunity. "Buy more here. This is a good long-term opportunity," he recommended to clients. He emphasized that BlackRock focuses on long-term performance rather than short-term market fluctuations caused by geopolitical uncertainty.

Corporate Governance Shift:

Fink addressed BlackRock's retreat from "woke" initiatives, acknowledging the pendulum had swung too far on DEI and ESG policies five years ago. The firm began rolling back DEI initiatives in February 2025, citing changes in the U.S. legal and policy environment. Fink described himself as "more pragmatic" today, emphasizing BlackRock's fiduciary duty to all clients rather than pursuing political agendas.

Market Implications:

The CEO's bullish stance suggests institutional investors view the Iran conflict as a temporary disruption. His recommendation to buy during the dip indicates confidence in economic resilience and potential post-conflict energy market normalization.