

The Memo by Howard Marks
Oaktree Capital Management
On October 12, 1990, Oaktree Co-Chairman Howard Marks published his first memo to clients. In the decades since, he has periodically released memos reflecting his viewpoint on the investment landscape, as well as more general business insights. On this podcast we'll hear the latest memos by Howard, released in tandem with or shortly after their publication.
Episodes
Mentioned books

125 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 27min
Ruminating on Asset Allocation
This discussion dives into the evolution of asset allocation strategies, emphasizing the tension between ownership and debt. It explores how to target risk while balancing growth and capital preservation. The podcast highlights the contrasting dynamics between various asset classes, and encourages increasing credit allocation for better returns. Listeners will gain insights into making informed investment decisions amidst market volatility, while acknowledging the risks of relying on past performances.

38 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 55min
Shall We Repeal The Laws of Economics?
The conversation dives into the clash between economic realities and political promises, stressing the dangers of ignoring fundamental trade-offs. Price regulation is scrutinized, revealing how government intervention can distort free markets, particularly through price gouging and housing policies. The implications of economic proposals, like tariffs and homebuyer assistance, are explored, exposing potential pitfalls. There's a deep analysis of California's wage policies and the U.S. national deficit, emphasizing the need to follow economic laws lest we face societal loss.

219 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 39min
Behind The Memo: The Impact of Debt with Howard Marks and Morgan Housel
Morgan Housel, bestselling author of "The Psychology of Money" and partner at Collaborative Fund, teams up with Howard Marks to discuss the nuances of debt. They dive into how leverage influences long-term stability and the perils of excessive risk-taking. The duo connects historical financial crises to modern investing strategies, stressing the importance of emotional discipline and historical awareness. They highlight the significance of fundamentals in finance, advocating for a measured approach that prioritizes enduring success over fleeting profits.

46 snips
Aug 22, 2024 • 26min
Mr. Market Miscalculates
Explore the timeless metaphor of Mr. Market, illustrating how investor emotions shape market volatility. Discover how rising interest rates provoke irrational decision-making and price swings. Delve into the significance of understanding intrinsic value amidst erratic market dynamics. Learn about the psychological traps that can lead to excessive optimism and the vital role of independent analysis. This discussion offers insightful lessons on navigating the unpredictable world of investing by recognizing the emotional drivers behind market movements.

30 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 32min
Behind the Memo: The Indispensability of Risk with Howard Marks, Bruce Karsh, and Maurice Ashley
Oaktree cofounder Bruce Karsh and chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley join Howard Marks in a discussion about risk and decision-making, drawing parallels between chess and investing. They explore the importance of taking risks, making sacrifices, embracing uncertainty, and learning from failures on the journey to success.

44 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 19min
The Folly of Certainty
The podcast discusses the dangers of certainty in fields like politics and investing, emphasizing the need for humility and admitting when one doesn't know. It explores the risks of overconfidence in making predictions and the impact of human emotions and fallibility in economics and finance.

27 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 39min
The Insight: Conversations - Oaktree Conference 2024 Edition
Oaktree co-chairman Howard Marks and experts from Oaktree's Global Credit and Opportunistic Credit teams discuss the sea change in financial markets, impacts of declining interest rates, navigating the changing investment landscape in high yield bonds and senior loans, and the distinctions of rescue loans vs direct lending in a special edition podcast episode.

172 snips
Jun 18, 2024 • 41min
Bonus Episode: Howard Marks on “In Good Company”
Oaktree Co-Chairman Howard Marks joins the podcast to discuss his investment philosophy, risk management, and decision-making quality. They explore key investing principles, market dynamics, sound risk management, and lessons from card games for investing. Marks emphasizes patience, wisdom, and understanding market cycles in decision-making, highlighting the importance of risk control for achieving investment goals.

51 snips
May 8, 2024 • 16min
The Impact of Debt
Exploring the impact of debt and leverage on survivability, emphasizing optimization over maximization. Discussing how leverage can amplify gains and losses in investments, cautioning against underestimating risks. Highlighting the importance of balancing borrowed capital for long-term success and prudent leverage strategies for sustained investment prosperity.

14 snips
May 6, 2024 • 31min
The Insight: Conversations – Volatility Ahead? Featuring Howard Marks, Armen Panossian, and David Rosenberg
Howard Marks, Armen Panossian, and David Rosenberg discuss market uncertainties, economic forecasting, challenges in managing leverage, credit investing strategies, impact of private debt, and investor focus in 2024. Emphasizing caution and humility in economic forecasting, the podcast explores uncertainties and challenges in navigating the economic terrain amidst changing market dynamics and volatility ahead.


