In an interview yesterday, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink warned that equity markets may still have room to fall, possibly by as much as 20%. However, he also framed the decline as a potential opportunity for long-term investors to enter the market at more attractive valuations. Fink expressed concern that persistently high inflation could force the Federal Reserve to adopt a more aggressive tightening stance, casting doubt on earlier forecasts that predicted multiple rate cuts this year. He also noted that many corporate leaders he had spoken with believed the US economy was already in a recession.

His comments come amid heightened market volatility, driven by worries over President Trump's tariff policy, elevated inflation, and weakening economic growth prospects. Investors are closely watching signals from the Fed and corporate leaders as they try to assess the market's next direction. Despite the risk of further downside, Fink's outlook echoes a broader sentiment among long-term investors that market pullbacks present opportunities to accumulate assets at discounted prices. He emphasized the importance of maintaining investment discipline and focusing on company fundamentals when making allocation decisions.

The belief among many CEOs that the US is already in recession adds a layer of pessimism to the market narrative. If true, economic contraction could result in declining corporate earnings and further downside for equities. Overall, Fink's statement highlights the complex backdrop of short-term risks paired with long-term investment potential. Investors will need to weigh both carefully before making any major decisions.

The sell-off in the S&P 500 continues, signaling persistent downward pressure on the index. For buyers, the primary objective today is to reclaim the nearest resistance level at $5,164. A breakout above this area could allow for a move toward $5,226, with $5,282 serving as a critical level that would further strengthen bullish momentum. If risk appetite weakens and the market moves lower, support is expected near $5,084. A break below this level could accelerate losses toward $5,011, with $4,943 as the next downside target.