BlackRock's 0.67% Drop on 163rd-Highest $590M Volume Amid $11B Saudi Deal New Fund and Crypto Chief's Exit

On August 19, 2025, BlackRock (BLK) fell 0.67% to close the session with a trading volume of $0.59 billion, ranking 163rd in market activity. The decline came amid mixed news on strategic investments, ETF performance, and leadership changes.

BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) secured a $11 billion midstream deal for Saudi Aramco’s Jafurah gas assets, reinforcing its infrastructure footprint. Separately, the firm launched a £1 billion fund targeting residential, logistics, and data center assets. However, concerns emerged as Joseph Chalom, head of digital asset strategy, departed to co-lead Ethereum treasury firm SharpLink, signaling potential talent attrition in its crypto division.

Positive momentum was driven by BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), which reached $10 billion in assets within 251 days, and a $5.21 quarterly dividend announcement. Yet, compliance measures restricting employee devices in China and delays in Panama’s $22.8 billion ports project offset optimism. These developments highlight a balance between growth in digital assets and operational challenges in emerging markets.

The backtest results for a strategy buying top 500 volume stocks and holding for one day showed a $2,940 profit from December 2022 to August 2025, with a maximum drawdown of $1,960, reflecting a volatile but ultimately positive trajectory despite the 19.6% peak-to-trough decline.