BlackRock (BLK) and Blackstone (BX) are leading U.S.-based asset management firms. While BLK focuses on public market investments and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), BX specializes in alternative assets like private equity and real estate. The asset management industry is currently benefiting from investors' shift toward higher-yielding investment vehicles like equity funds, alternative assets and long-term bond funds. Also, deregulation is expected to open up access to cryptocurrencies and the previously unt ...