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The Memo by Howard Marks

The Memo by Howard Marks

By: Oaktree Capital Management
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About this listen

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.

© 2020 Oaktree Capital
Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • AI Hurtles Ahead
    Feb 26 2026

    In his latest memo – occasioned by massive changes he cites in just the 11 weeks since the last one – Howard Marks revisits the subject of AI, providing his observations on its essence and how it differs from previous technological innovations. He highlights AI’s immense power, speed, and autonomy; its limitations; and its potential implications for investing. He expresses conviction that AI is far from a fad, but also that investors must view its transformational potential against an assessment of the appropriateness of the prices of AI assets.

    You can read the memo here (https://oaktreecapital.com/insights/memo/ai-hurtles-ahead).

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    46 mins
  • Is It a Bubble?
    Dec 9 2025

    In his latest memo, Howard Marks addresses the much-asked question, “Is there a bubble in AI?” He identifies the uncertainty associated with AI investments and the conspicuous parallels to previous bubbles, while also acknowledging why those comparisons could be inappropriate. Given AI’s vast potential but numerous unknowns, no one can say for certain whether investors’ current enthusiasm is merited or irrational. Thus, Howard emphasizes the importance of prudence and selectivity in navigating this transformative yet unpredictable technological revolution.

    You can read the memo here (https://oaktreecapital.com/insights/memo/is-it-a-bubble).

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Cockroaches in the Coal Mine
    Nov 6 2025

    In his latest memo, Howard Marks examines the recent string of well-publicized credit problems. He considers how they serve as a reminder that the yield premium offered by sub-investment grade credit isn’t a freebie, but rather compensation for bearing credit risk. While good times lead to complacency and elevated risk tolerance, bad times expose the results of that carelessness. Howard emphasizes that it’s essential to always balance the desire to put money to work with the need for prudence.

    You can read the memo here (https://oaktreecapital.com/insights/memo/cockroaches-in-the-coal-mine).

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    24 mins
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