Howard Marks, co-chairman and co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management, shares his unique investment insights and contrarian strategies. He discusses seeking bargains in China's economy while others steer clear, emphasizing the potential in 'uninvestable' assets. Marks also reflects on market valuations and the importance of bottom-up investment strategies in a politically charged landscape. He touches on the impact of the Trump presidency on market sentiment and the ongoing challenges in China's economic recovery, maintaining a hopeful perspective on future opportunities.
Howard Marks advocates for seeking value investments in China, highlighting opportunities in assets perceived as uninvestable despite market concerns.
The political landscape's volatility underscores the need for investors to focus on company-specific evaluations rather than relying solely on macroeconomic predictions.
Deep dives
The Unique Context of the Presidential Race
The recent presidential race showcased a Democrat who was a late entry and a Republican facing serious legal challenges, highlighting a politically tumultuous environment. This situation underscores the unusual dynamics at play, particularly with influential figures like Elon Musk lending support to candidates. The interplay between political endorsements and public perception can create unpredictable outcomes at the polls. This election cycle serves as a reminder of how rapidly the political landscape can change and impact broader societal discussions.
Navigating Market Valuations and Investment Strategies
Investors face uncertainty with current market valuations, which are considered high when compared to historical trends. Howard Marks emphasizes an approach focused on individual company assessment rather than macroeconomic predictions, suggesting that timing the market can lead to missed opportunities. He advises a balanced strategy of being less aggressive in high-priced environments while still remaining invested, as exiting the market entirely can be detrimental. Marks highlights the importance of understanding intrinsic value and adapting investment behavior rather than conforming to a binary 'risk on' or 'risk off' mentality.
China's Economic Challenges and Investing Potential
China’s economic landscape is undergoing significant adjustments as it moves away from stimulus-driven growth, which had previously fueled rapid GDP increases. The delicate balance required to manage growth without excessive reliance on further stimulus presents a challenging scenario for investors. Despite concerns surrounding the Chinese economy, there is potential for value investments, as some assets are attractively priced amidst overall market gloom. Marks suggests that opportunities often arise from assets deemed 'uninvestable,' indicating that the right approach may still yield favorable outcomes in this complicated economic environment.
Oaktree Capital Management LP is looking for bargains in China even as other investors shun the world’s second-biggest economy, according to co-chairman and co-founder Howard Marks. “I’ve made my whole career buying assets that other people consider uninvestable and when you do that, you have a chance of getting a bargain,” Marks said in a Bloomberg interview with Haslinda Amin. Comments about China being uninvestable are “music to my ears,” he said.