BlackRock’s CEO says this war will not wreck the economy, and investors are being told not to flinch

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink says the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran is unlikely to derail the global economy, even as energy markets react and gas prices continue rising. As reported by Fox News, Fink told investors that market volatility tied to the war should not trigger panic selling.

Fink said he does not expect the conflict to last long and suggested that oil prices could eventually fall back to earlier levels once the fighting ends. His comments come after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory missile attacks and disruptions across regional energy infrastructure.

Despite the uncertainty, Fink emphasized that BlackRock’s investment approach is built around long-term outlooks rather than reacting to daily market swings. The firm manages roughly $14.5 trillion in assets, most of which are positioned for extended investment horizons rather than short-term speculation.

BlackRock says investors should stay focused on the long term

The strikes on Iranian leadership targets, IRGC assets, and oil infrastructure have rattled global markets. Images of fires and smoke rising from oil depots in Tehran circulated widely as energy traders reacted to supply risks, amid Pakistan naval escorts.

At the same time, consumers have already felt the impact. Gasoline prices in the United States have surged roughly 20 percent since the attacks began, pushing the national average for regular gasoline to $3.58 per gallon compared to $2.94 before the February 28 strikes.

Even with those increases, Fink argued that the long-term outlook could still favor lower energy prices. He said that if the war ultimately results in a “neutralized Iran” that returns oil to the global market, there is a strong probability crude prices could drop below $50 per barrel.

Fink also said many investors are reacting emotionally to headlines and pulling money out of the market. In his view, that response misses the longer-term opportunity created by short-term volatility, with emergency oil release talk also entering the discussion.

He said he has received messages from people asking how they should respond to the market turbulence. His answer, he explained, has often been simple advice to buy during the downturn rather than retreat from investments.

Beyond the war, Fink also addressed ongoing debates surrounding corporate initiatives tied to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Environmental, Social, and Governance standards. He said perspectives have shifted in recent years and described the current moment as a more pragmatic phase for companies navigating those issues.

BlackRock began scaling back some of its DEI programs earlier this year, citing changes in the legal and policy environment in the United States. Fink said the company’s primary responsibility remains acting as a fiduciary for clients who entrust the firm with managing their investments.