Advertisement
BLK vs NTRS
Which Stock Would AI Choose? BlackRock (BLK) vs. Northern Trust (NTRS) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- BLK is the world's largest asset manager with roughly $14 trillion in assets under management (AUM), while NTRS is a custody, wealth, and asset-servicing specialist with about $16.8 trillion in assets under custody or administration.
- Both firms delivered stronger-than-expected results in their most recent reported quarter, but their growth engines are structurally different.
- BLK is driven by exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows and an accelerating push into private markets, while NTRS leans on trust fees, net interest income (NII), and wealth-management momentum.
- Relative performance has diverged recently: NTRS has outperformed over the past year, while BLK lagged the broader market in 2025 despite record asset flows.
- Analyst sentiment is more constructive on BLK, while NTRS carries a more mixed "Hold"-leaning consensus.
Introduction
BlackRock and Northern Trust both operate at the heart of global asset and wealth management, yet they represent very different business models. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing a large-scale, diversified asset manager against a more specialized custody, wealth, and servicing provider. Traders focused on momentum and relative performance, as well as long-term investors assessing growth durability, fee dynamics, and interest-rate sensitivity, may find this comparison useful. By examining recent results, market positioning, and observable catalysts, this article clarifies how the two stocks differ in the current market environment and where their risk-reward profiles diverge.
BLK Overview and Recent Performance
BLK, or BlackRock, is the world's largest investment manager, best known for its iShares ETF franchise, its Aladdin risk-management technology platform, and its growing presence in private credit and infrastructure. In its most recent full-year results, the firm reported record annual net inflows of approximately $698 billion and ended the period with around $14 trillion in AUM. Revenue rose roughly 19% for the year, supported by broad-based growth across ETFs, systematic strategies, cash management, and technology services.
Despite these operational strengths, BLK shares lagged the broader market over the prior calendar year, gaining only single digits against a double-digit advance for the S&P 500. Recent market activity has shown renewed investor interest, with the stock rallying after better-than-expected quarterly earnings. Sentiment has been shaped by accelerating organic base-fee growth, a 10% dividend increase, and management's commitment to a larger buyback program. Key catalysts include continued ETF inflows and the firm's stated goal of substantial private-markets fundraising through the end of the decade.
NTRS Overview and Recent Performance
NTRS, or Northern Trust, is a Chicago-based financial holding company providing wealth management, asset servicing, asset management, and banking solutions to institutions, families, and individuals. It oversees roughly $16.8 trillion in assets under custody or administration and about $1.6 trillion in AUM. In its most recent reported quarter, revenue rose about 9% year over year, driven by a 7% increase in trust fees and a 14% rise in net interest income (NII), while earnings per share (EPS) advanced roughly 19%.
NTRS shares have delivered strong momentum, rallying close to 30% over the trailing year on the back of solid fee growth, improved profitability targets, and high-profile client wins in asset servicing. Management has emphasized deepening client relationships in its global family office and ultra-high-net-worth segments, as well as efficiency gains from AI-driven automation. The company returned about $1.9 billion to shareholders during the most recent year, including record share repurchases that reduced its share count. Risks include fee pressure from the industry-wide shift toward passive investing and sensitivity to interest-rate movements.
Trending AI Robots
For traders seeking a data-driven edge in this kind of stock comparison, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page offers a curated view of its most relevant automated strategies. Tickeron hosts hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and set of covered symbols. Because not every bot suits every market condition, Tickeron highlights only the strongest and most appropriate performers in its Trending AI Robots section, helping users identify strategies aligned with current market dynamics. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to see which automated approaches are presently standing out.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two companies is scale and scope. BLK is a global asset-gathering powerhouse whose growth hinges on ETF flows, technology subscriptions, and private-markets expansion, giving it a broader, faster-growing revenue base but also exposure to fee-rate compression in passive products. NTRS is more narrowly focused on custody, asset servicing, and wealth management, where net interest income and trust fees are central to profitability, making it more sensitive to interest-rate trends.
On momentum, the two have diverged. NTRS has outperformed recently on improved profitability and client wins, while BLK lagged the market last year despite record inflows. From a risk standpoint, BLK carries concentration and valuation considerations tied to its ambitious private-markets push, whereas NTRS faces structural fee pressure from passive investing and a more modest long-term growth outlook. Analyst consensus is generally more favorable toward BLK, while views on NTRS remain more neutral.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward BLK at this juncture. Its stronger and more diversified growth engine, accelerating organic base-fee momentum, and clearer multi-year catalysts in private markets provide a more durable backdrop than NTRS's more interest-rate-dependent earnings profile. That said, NTRS's recent momentum and improved profitability targets suggest it is not without appeal. In probabilistic terms, the AI's preference would reflect a tilt toward BLK for trend consistency and catalyst breadth, while acknowledging that near-term relative strength may continue to favor NTRS.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is BLK is a StrongBuy and NTRS is a Hold.
BLK in upward trend: 10-day moving average crossed above 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
The 10-day moving average for BLK crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on BLK as a result. In 43 of 75 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for BLK just turned positive on September 25, 2026. Looking at past instances where BLK's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
BLK moved above its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.22% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BLK advanced for three days, in 194 of 338 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 143 of 293 cases where BLK Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 49%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for BLK moved out of overbought territory on October 22, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 36 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 19 of the 36 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 53%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BLK declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
BLK broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 29 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. BLK’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 63 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 90 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.057) is normal, around the industry mean (2.404). P/E Ratio (26.836) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-3.413). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.898) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.020) settles around the average of (0.272) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.270) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
NTRS's RSI Indicator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for NTRS moved out of oversold territory on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 28 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 22 of the 28 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 79%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 42 of 56 cases where NTRS's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for NTRS just turned positive on October 21, 2026. Looking at past instances where NTRS's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Following a +1.49% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NTRS advanced for three days, in 201 of 333 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
NTRS may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NTRS declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
The Aroon Indicator for NTRS entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 38 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NTRS’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 87 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.424) is normal, around the industry mean (2.404). P/E Ratio (14.173) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-3.413). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.988) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.021) settles around the average of (0.272) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.888) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
BLK | NTRS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 36 | 86 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 90 Overvalued | 87 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 47 | 38 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 63 | 9 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 29 | 52 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 49 | 45 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
NTRS's Valuation (87) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as BLK (90) in the Investment Managers industry. This means that NTRS’s stock grew similarly to BLK’s over the last 12 months.
NTRS's Profit vs Risk Rating (38) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as BLK (47) in the Investment Managers industry. This means that NTRS’s stock grew similarly to BLK’s over the last 12 months.
NTRS's SMR Rating (9) in the Regional Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for BLK (63) in the Investment Managers industry. This means that NTRS’s stock grew somewhat faster than BLK’s over the last 12 months.
BLK's Price Growth Rating (29) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as NTRS (52) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that BLK’s stock grew similarly to NTRS’s over the last 12 months.
NTRS's P/E Growth Rating (45) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as BLK (49) in the Investment Managers industry. This means that NTRS’s stock grew similarly to BLK’s over the last 12 months.
| BLK | NTRS | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 79% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 75% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | N/A |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 65% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 58% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 60% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 15 days ago 56% | 9 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 74% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 53% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
BLK’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while NTRS’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- BLK’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- NTRS’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
BLK’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NTRS’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- BLK’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- NTRS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 2 bearish.
Price Growth
BLK (@Investment Managers) experienced а +1.47% price change this week, while NTRS (@Investment Managers) price change was +0.23% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was -1.39%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.37%, and the average quarterly price growth was -0.93%.
Reported Earning Dates
BLK is expected to report earnings on Jan 21, 2027.
NTRS is expected to report earnings on Jan 21, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Managers (-1.39% weekly)Investment Managers manage financial assets and other investments of clients. Management includes designing a short- or long-term strategy for buying/holding and selling of portfolio holdings. It can also include tax services and other aspects of financial planning as well. While it is perceived that the industry is faced with growing competition from robo-advisors/digital platforms and passive/ index-tracking funds, many investors still find value in actively managed in-person services that investment management companies often emphasize on. At the same time, many wealth managers are also incorporating digital initiatives/low cost options in addition to their in-person customized services. Their main sources of revenues are fees as a percentage of assets under management, in addition to a certain portion of clients’ gains from asset appreciation. BlackRock, Inc., Blackstone Group Inc and Brookfield Asset Management are some of the major investment management companies.
Advertisement
BLK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, BLK has been closely correlated with IVZ. These tickers have moved in lockstep 68% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if BLK jumps, then IVZ could also see price increases.
NTRS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NTRS has been closely correlated with STT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 78% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if NTRS jumps, then STT could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NTRS | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTRS | 100% | -0.65% | ||
| STT - NTRS | 78% Closely correlated | -0.66% | ||
| RJF - NTRS | 61% Loosely correlated | +2.25% | ||
| AMP - NTRS | 58% Loosely correlated | +1.29% | ||
| IVZ - NTRS | 56% Loosely correlated | -1.57% | ||
| BLK - NTRS | 51% Loosely correlated | -1.07% | ||
More | ||||