12:38 PM EDT, 09/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with additional details in the fourth paragraph and BlackRock ( BLK ) reply in the fifth paragraph.)

BlackRock ( BLK ) and Vanguard have sharply reduced the number of meetings with company executives this year amid new guidance that makes it harder to discuss subjects such as climate change and diversity, Reuters reported Friday, citing disclosures.

The development follows guidance in February from the US Securities and Exchange Commission and may leave executives with less investor input on strategy, as well as the possibility of facing surprise critical votes at meetings with shareholders, the report said.

Figures in new disclosures show drops of 28% and 44% for BlackRock ( BLK ) and Vanguard compared with their meetings for year-earlier periods, the report added.

Reuters said Friday that a BlackRock ( BLK ) representative referred to a past statement when asked for comment. In the statement the company said that it "does not use engagement as a way to control publicly traded companies."

BlackRock ( BLK ) declined to comment Friday on the Reuters report in reply to a request by MT Newswires while Vanguard didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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