MicroCapClub

Club Conversation with Howard Marks, Oaktree’s Quiet Legend

13 snips
Jan 5, 2026
In this conversation, Howard Marks, co-founder and chairman of Oaktree Capital, shares his deep investment insights. He discusses the subjective nature of risk and why it's more than just volatility. Marks analyzes the role of market cycles in microcaps and critiques the dominance of a few stocks in the S&P. He also reflects on the economic impacts of Brexit, warns about private credit complacency, and offers unconventional investment advice. Throughout, he emphasizes personal growth and the importance of maintaining low expectations for a fulfilling life.
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ANECDOTE

Origin Of Oaktree Name

  • Howard Marks named Oaktree after a Portuguese house called Las Encinitas with little oak trees he loved.
  • He proposed the name to his partners and it became the firm's identity when they launched in 1994.
INSIGHT

Risk Is Probability Of Undesirable Outcomes

  • Marks defines risk as the probability of an undesirable outcome rather than price volatility.
  • He emphasizes that risk is subjective because what is undesirable varies by investor and circumstance.
INSIGHT

The Upside Of Bubbles

  • Bubbles accelerate technological build-out by unleashing enthusiasm and funding that speed adoption.
  • Technologists value this upside even though investors may suffer losses from the same exuberance.
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