The Tim Ferriss Show

#431: Howard Marks on the US Dollar, Three Ways to Add Defense, and Good Questions

May 11, 2020
Howard Marks, co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management and renowned author, shares insights on the US dollar's significance as a reserve currency. He discusses defensive investing strategies and the importance of cautious decision-making amidst economic uncertainty. Marks reflects on his investment journey, emphasizing lessons learned from past market pitfalls. He highlights the impact of government interventions during crises and stresses the need for reliable information sources to navigate today's data-heavy landscape.
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ANECDOTE

Nifty Fifty Loss

  • Howard Marks joined First National Citibank in 1968, amidst the "nifty-fifty" investing era.
  • He witnessed significant losses despite investing in top companies, learning a crucial lesson about price.
ANECDOTE

High-Yield Success

  • Transitioning to Citibank's bond department in 1978, Marks pioneered high-yield bond investing.
  • This shift from "best" to "worst" companies proved profitable due to their undervalued prices.
INSIGHT

Propositions over Winners

  • Investing success hinges on identifying superior propositions, not just picking winners.
  • Focus on mispricings where odds are favorable, regardless of perceived quality.
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