Global markets are entering 2026 amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, structural shifts in the global order, and rapid technological change. Recorded live from the World Economic Forum in Davos, this episode of The Bid examines the macroeconomic and geopolitical forces shaping the year ahead.

Host Oscar Pulido is joined by Philipp Hildebrand, Vice Chairman of BlackRock, and Tom Donilon, Vice Chairman of BlackRock and Chairman of the BlackRock Investment Institute. Drawing on conversations with political leaders, policymakers, and business executives in Davos, they reflect on an evolving geopolitical landscape and its implications for markets, governments, and global cooperation.

The discussion explores how shifts in U.S. policy are reshaping alliances — particularly between the United States and Europe — and why this period may mark a broader transition away from the post–World War II global framework. Philipp outlines the pressures facing Europe, while Tom examines how national security considerations are increasingly shaping economic policy, trade, and global investment flows.

Artificial intelligence emerges as a central theme, viewed both as an economic driver and a geopolitical force. The episode considers AI’s role in national security competition, the growing importance of data centers and energy infrastructure, and how concerns around sovereignty, critical minerals, and societal impact are elevating AI from a technological issue to a political one.

Key insights

· How current geopolitical developments are reshaping the global outlook entering 2026

· Why Davos remains a key forum for understanding policy and market sentiment

· Where Europe’s macroeconomic challenges and opportunities are most pronounced

· How AI is increasingly intersecting with geopolitics and national security

· What recent U.S.–Europe tensions reveal about future global cooperation

· How investors and policymakers are interpreting uncertainty in today’s environment

Geopolitics, global macro outlook, Europe economy, World Economic Forum Davos, AI and geopolitics, global markets, policy uncertainty

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246: Macro and Geopolitical Outlook - Live From Davos

The Bid - An Investing Podcast from BlackRock

246: Macro and Geopolitical Outlook - Live From Davos