BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is often at the center of various rumors and conspiracy theories due to its significant influence and massive financial assets. Some of these rumors include the belief that BlackRock owns both Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems, which has been debunked by fact-checking organizations like Snopes and PolitiFact (Wikipedia).
Additionally, BlackRock is sometimes confused with other large investment firms, such as Blackstone, particularly in the context of real estate investments. There has been misinformation suggesting BlackRock is heavily involved in buying single-family homes, contributing to housing shortages, but the firm has clarified that it primarily invests in multi-family properties and apartment complexes (Business Insider).
The company's vast reach and influence have led to calls for greater regulation, with some politicians suggesting that BlackRock should be designated "too big to fail" (Wikipedia). Moreover, BlackRock's involvement in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) initiatives has drawn both praise and criticism. Some see ESG as a way for BlackRock to push progressive agendas, while others argue it is a marketing strategy to increase fees and profits (Wikipedia).
Overall, while BlackRock is indeed a powerful and influential entity in the financial world, many of the more sensational claims about the company are either exaggerated or outright false.