The potential incorporation of private equity into 401 (k) investment options would follow an "increasing push to provide more private capital investment opportunities for retail investors and participants in workplace retirement plans," said CNN Business.

BlackRock Inc. said it expects to start offering its own target-date retirement funds that include private assets next year, the latest push by the $12.5 trillion money manager to bring alternatives to everyday investors.

Much of Wall Street is expecting a possible market slowdown in the second half of the year, so it’s a good thing it hit some high notes beforehand. It’s earnings season, which is often a time to celebrate victories,

The deal gives the investment firm $7.3 billion in assets as it attempts to broaden its holdings of private assets, following BlackRock’s announcement last week of a new all-in-one 401(k) target date fund with private equity.

Now celebrating 20 years in Chicago, the New York-based investment management firm is eyeing further growth through alternative investments.

BlackRock pushed deeper into private markets Monday with the acquisition of commercial real estate firm ElmTree Funds.

BlackRock’s strategy of external growth through acquisitions is a key catalyst for future expansion and diversification. Find out why I rate BLK stock a buy now.

With HPS, BlackRock has taken control of a top-performing private credit manager, which has grown from $34bn in assets in 2016 to $157bn this year. Fink says he is confident HPS will take to BlackRock: “Strategic acquisitions have strengthened our firm,” he said last month. “With GIP, HPS and Preqin, we were again looking for the right partners.”

For years, they have been investing in “private equity” and venture capital deals. They find small, promising companies and lend their capital and management expertise — hoping to sell out in the