Trillions in cash idle amid trade war worries, says BlackRock CEO

Published 13/05/2025, 12:30
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock (NYSE:BLK), the world’s largest asset manager, has stated that tens of trillions of dollars are currently sitting idle in cash due to concerns over trade wars and uncertainty around the U.S. economy. The rising deficits in the U.S. economy are beginning to worry investors, according to Fink.

Fink, speaking at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday, pointed out that there is 12 trillion euros in bank accounts in Europe and $11 trillion in money market funds in the United States. He attributes this accumulation of cash to growing uncertainties, leading investors to hold onto their money.

Fink’s comments came as U.S. President Donald Trump embarked on a four-day tour of the Gulf region, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The tour focuses on economic deals and various security crises, from the war in Gaza to the potential escalation over Iran’s nuclear program.

Despite the market turbulence caused by Trump’s proposed changes to global trade ties, Fink mentioned that many global investors remain heavily invested in the U.S. However, he noted a "modest reallocation" away from U.S. assets, benefiting Europe and generating increased investor interest in the Gulf region, India, and Japan.

Fink also warned of a potential 90-day period of volatility following Trump’s recent pause in trade tariff discussions with China, a major economic rival. He emphasized the need to focus on the role of deficits, which have largely been left out of current conversations.

"The U.S. deficits are an issue... the US economy needs a 3% growth rate to overcome its deficits and I do believe what President Trump is trying to do is consistent with what the kingdom has been trying to do, they are trying to create more public-private investing," Fink stated at the event.

The forum was also attended by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al Jadaan, and Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih.

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