$BLK

BlackRock published a research paper in September 2026 suggesting AI agents could drive demand for stablecoins by enabling autonomous payments. The firm estimates stablecoin transaction volume exceeded $11 trillion in 2025, with market capitalization above $300 billion by September 2026. BlackRock highlights stablecoins' suitability for machine-to-machine payments and potential use in trading computing power.

BlackRock published a report arguing AI agents will need stablecoins for transactions, citing potential for growth. Current AI agent transactions are minimal, but stablecoin market cap is $300B with $11T in adjusted volume in 2025. BlackRock highlights Ethereum and Circle's Arc as key settlement venues, and projects $1.1T in cloud computing revenue by 2030, suggesting tokenized compute as a future asset class.

Raoul Pal, CEO of Real Vision, critiqued BlackRock's whitepaper on tokenizing AI compute, arguing for broader tokenization of assets like identity and energy. BlackRock's paper suggested AI agents could use tokenized contracts for compute resources, with stablecoins as payment. Pal believes tokenization will extend beyond money and compute, encompassing various asset classes. The SEC's temporary regulatory pathway for tokenized U.S. stocks has made tokenization a hot topic.

BlackRock's IBIT ETF added 1,970 BTC ($166M) in six consecutive days of inflows, totaling $2.8B across all BTC Spot ETFs. Institutional sentiment remains positive, but US investors are still selling, keeping Bitcoin below $87K.

Ondo Finance, BlackRock (BLK), and Securitize (SECZ) proposed OUSG, a tokenized US Treasuries product, for Sky's Spark Tokenization Grand Prix. OUSG aims to diversify Sky's assets and support its sUSDS stablecoin. The product offers 24/7 liquidity, low fees, and tracks short-term US government securities. Sky's governance will decide if OUSG receives an allocation.

UnitedHealth (UNH), BlackRock (BLK), and Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) paid dividends on September 22, 2026. UNH paid $2.32/share, BLK $5.73, and SWK $0.84. SWK raised its rate, while UNH and BLK maintained prior increases. All three companies reported strong earnings, supporting their payouts.

BlackRock has tokenized three investment portfolios on the blockchain via Ondo Finance, offering single-token exposure to diversified portfolios. The portfolios, BLKHIon, BLKDIGon, and BLKGRWon, are available to eligible investors outside the US. They include allocations to various ETFs, such as the iShares High Yield and Investment Grade Systematic Bond ETFs.

Morgan Stanley lowered its price target for BlackRock to $1,479 from $1,488, while maintaining an overweight rating. The stock closed at $1,073.45, up 1.18% over 5 days and 1.85% year-to-date. The adjustment is based on a weighted average of ratings including valuation, EPS revisions, and visibility.

BlackRock launched three tokenized portfolios, allowing shares to be used as collateral more efficiently. This could speed up delivery, swapping, and return of assets, freeing up capital. The move may pressure custody banks, fund administrators, and collateral managers to support tokenized assets to meet client demands.

Ohio's PUCO approved the acquisition of AES Corporation by a BlackRock-led consortium, including EQT and Qatar Investment Authority. Concerns remain over rate increases and higher investor returns. FERC review is pending, with questions about market power and foreign investment. AES Ohio seeks a $143M rate hike, while BlackRock targets 20% annual returns, raising ratepayer concerns.