Ford Takes $19.5 Billion Charge as EV Strategy Shifts Toward Hybrids 
EU Signals Major Shift on 2035 Combustion Engine Ban Amid Auto Industry Pressure 
Elliott Management Takes $1 Billion Stake in Lululemon, Pushes for Leadership Change 
Trump Sues BBC for Defamation Over Edited Capitol Riot Speech Clip 
Sanofi’s Efdoralprin Alfa Gains EMA Orphan Status for Rare Lung Disease 
Instacart Stock Drops After FTC Probes AI-Based Price Discrimination Claims 
Union-Aligned Investors Question Amazon, Walmart and Alphabet on Trump Immigration Policies 
Robinhood Expands Sports Event Contracts With Player Performance Wagers 
Trump Administration Unveils High-Priced “Trump Gold Card” Visa Program 
Blackstone Leads $400 Million Funding Round in Cyera at $9 Billion Valuation 
OpenAI Explores Massive Funding Round at $750 Billion Valuation 
Republicans Raise National Security Concerns Over Intel’s Testing of China-Linked Chipmaking Tools 
SUPERFORTUNE Launches AI-Powered Mobile App, Expanding Beyond Web3 Into $392 Billion Metaphysics Market 
Senate Set for Vote on GOP Healthcare Plan as Debate Over ACA Subsidies Intensifies 
Biren Technology Targets Hong Kong IPO to Raise $300 Million Amid China’s AI Chip Push 
FAA Unveils Flight Plan 2026 to Strengthen Aviation Safety and Workforce Development 
Shell M&A Chief Exits After BP Takeover Proposal Rejected 
U.S. energy regulators have renewed BlackRock’s permission to hold significant stakes in U.S.-traded utility companies, a key victory for the $11.5 trillion asset manager amid mounting political scrutiny. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) extended BlackRock’s authorization to own up to 20% of voting securities in any single public utility for another three years, allowing it to maintain large positions in energy firms despite criticism from both sides of the political aisle.
FERC Chairman Mark Christie, a Republican, voiced concern over BlackRock’s influence but acknowledged the necessity for utilities to access capital. “Utilities must seek investment capital from wherever it is available, and much of it is now managed by large asset firms,” Christie stated in a concurring opinion.
BlackRock, which thanked FERC for the decision, emphasized its role in supporting energy infrastructure. “We look forward to continuing to provide billions in capital to the U.S. energy sector on behalf of our clients,” the company said.
While utility trade groups largely supported the move, the decision drew sharp criticism. Conservative nonprofit Consumers’ Research argued that BlackRock’s involvement in climate-focused investor coalitions undermines its claim of being a passive investor. Executive Director Will Hild labeled the decision "disappointing" and urged former President Trump to replace commissioners unwilling to enforce policy.
Liberal watchdog Public Citizen also questioned the waiver, pointing to BlackRock’s $12.5 billion acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners as evidence of active investment behavior. “BlackRock is too big to challenge,” said Tyson Slocum, Public Citizen’s energy program director.
The ruling avoids disruption to utility index fund investments and aligns with prior input from industry groups like the Edison Electric Institute, which claimed FERC’s policies have supported public energy access by encouraging investment.
