Here's a summary of the transcript, focusing on the main points and arguments:
Howard Marks, Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital, joins to discuss his investment thesis in light of recent market turmoil fueled by trade tensions and tariffs. He initially penned a memo a month prior, arguing that credit offered a better deal than equities. While acknowledging the significant changes in the global economic landscape, he maintains that credit still presents an attractive opportunity, noting that high-yield bonds now yield around 8% compared to 7.2% six weeks ago, implying a drop in price and a higher prospective return. He contrasts this with the stock market's substantial decline.
Marks stresses that quantifying the impact of paradigm shifts like these tariffs is impossible. However, he considers them a massive disruption, potentially reversing decades of globalization and free trade. He argues that the last 80 years, characterized by expanding trade, represented a period of unprecedented economic prosperity, lifting all boats. He illustrates the benefits of free trade by explaining that welfare is maximized when countries specialize in what they produce best and cheapest, and then trade with others. He warns that restricting trade, like the Swiss having to produce pasta and the Italians making watches, would likely make the world worse off.
He highlights how globalization has kept inflation in check, citing a 25-year period where the cost of durable goods in the US fell by 40% in inflation-adjusted terms. Tariffs, he argues, represent increased costs that someone will have to pay, most likely consumers, potentially reversing the disinflationary trend of globalization.
When asked about how to assess risk and reward in this environment, Marks first addresses the claim that stocks have delivered 10% returns on average over the past century. He argues that this holds true when the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio is around 16. However, with today's PE ratio near 19, historical data suggests that investors can expect significantly lower returns, perhaps in the 1-7% range. He emphasizes that price matters and the S&P 500's valuation is elevated relative to historical norms.
In contrast, he argues that credit offers a more transparent return profile. He emphasizes that fixed income reveals its promised return upfront, with the primary risk being the issuer's potential default. However, he notes that issuers are heavily incentivized to meet their obligations to avoid losing their company. He claims that in his 47 years of experience in non-investment-grade credit, roughly 99% of issuers have paid as promised.
Marks believes that the current market environment is a time of dislocation, urging investors to evaluate whether the reduction in asset prices is adequate, inadequate, or excessive. He cautions against relying solely on forecasts, emphasizing that no analysis can definitively determine the "right" price for assets in the current environment. He states the uncertainty is exceptionally high due to the geopolitical and economic landscape being shaken up. He emphasizes the probability of any forecast being correct today is lower than ever.
He uses the analogy of a department store sale, likening the market downturn to Bloomingdale's putting everything on sale. Prices are lower and investors should at least consider buying, even if prices could fall further. He also said that people shouldn't automatically boycott an investment simply because its price has declined.
Regarding the US as an investment destination, Marks acknowledges that it's still likely the best place, but "less best" than before. He lists some concerning factors being a reduction in the rule of law, the predictability of outcomes, and the nation's high deficits and debts. He suggests the US has been behaving like someone with a golden credit card with no limit. If recent events cause investors to lose confidence in the dollar or US Treasuries, the fiscal situation could become complicated.