The bottom line
BlackRock may be the biggest asset manager on the block, but that doesn't always guarantee success. Although it was the first firm to record $10 trillion in assets under management, it's also posted the record for the most client money lost by a firm over a six-month period. As the market staggered in 2022, the company reported losing $1.7 trillion in assets. In addition, it's been whipsawed by criticism from both sides for its commitment to ESG investing and its role in financing climate change acceleration.
Keep in mind that if you invest in BlackRock, you're not investing in a company with $10 trillion in assets -- you're investing in a company that manages $10 trillion in assets. Although its role as one of the world's preeminent ETF managers may be extremely attractive, you should treat BlackRock like any other individual stock, as a long-term, buy-and-hold investment that's only part of a diversified portfolio.