Shares of Blackstone Group LP (BX) plummeted 6.83% in pre-market trading on Thursday, as the asset management giant faced a perfect storm of challenges. The stock's sharp decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including newly announced tariffs, uncertainty surrounding a potential TikTok deal, and a lowered price target from a major investment bank.
U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs sent shockwaves through the financial sector. Trump stated he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S. and higher reciprocal duties on some of the country's biggest trading partners, including China. This move has sparked fears of an escalating trade war and potential economic uncertainty, which could negatively impact asset managers like Blackstone. The company, along with other major players in the industry such as Apollo, BlackRock, and Charles Schwab, saw significant pre-market drops as investors reacted to the news.
Adding to the downward pressure, Goldman Sachs adjusted its price target on Blackstone to $153 from $160, while maintaining a neutral rating. This adjustment, coupled with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Blackstone's potential involvement in the TikTok deal, further unsettled investors. The private equity firm has been in the running as a potential U.S. investor in TikTok's American operations, but the situation has grown increasingly complex. Reports of e-commerce giant Amazon.com Inc. joining the bidding war have intensified competition for the deal, while the approaching deadline for TikTok's U.S. operations and potential regulatory hurdles have added to the uncertainty. As the market grapples with these multiple headwinds, Blackstone's stock has taken a significant hit, reflecting the heightened risk perception among investors.
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