Howard Marks vs Jeremy Grantham: Investment Philosophy Compared
Comparing 48 vs 48 investment principles across 16 common topics
Use this page to compare Howard Marks and Jeremy Grantham by decision process, not by performance claims. Start with each investor’s style summary, then scan the 16 shared topics to see where their principles overlap. If you are new, begin with the common topics; if you have a specific problem, jump to the topic table and open the related rule pages. Next, use the unique-topic lists to choose a framework that fits your current question (risk control, valuation discipline, thesis review, or behavior). Open 2–3 linked principle pages and write one “what would change my mind?” trigger in your journal. Educational only.
Decision Checklist (How to Choose)
Name the decision and time horizon (buy/hold/sell review, sizing, or thesis update).
Read both style summaries first; note what each emphasizes and what they explicitly avoid.
Pick 1–2 topics that matter to your decision and compare principle counts side-by-side.
Use the common topics as your baseline checklist, then add one unique topic as a differentiator.
Write 1–3 invalidation triggers (what evidence would change your mind) and set a review date.
If you disagree with a principle, write why—and what evidence would change that view.
Misuse and Risk Warnings
Do not treat principle counts as skill, performance, or expected returns—they only describe coverage.
Avoid cherry-picking the master you already prefer. Force yourself to read the strongest counter-framework.
Quotes, bios, and labels are context; your final decision still requires your own research and risk limits.
Investment Style: Value Investing, Distressed Debt, Contrarian, Risk-Focused
Howard Stanley Marks (born April 23, 1946) is an American investor and writer. He is the co-founder and co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, one of the world's largest investors in distressed se...
Investment Style: Value Investing, Contrarian, Asset Allocation, ESG Focus
Jeremy Grantham (born October 6, 1938) is a British investor and co-founder of GMO (Grantham, Mayo, & van Otterloo), a Boston-based asset management firm managing over $60 billion in assets. He is ren...
Common Investment Topics
Both Howard Marks and Jeremy Grantham share principles on these topics.
What are the key differences between Howard Marks and Jeremy Grantham as investors?
Howard Marks has 48 investment principles and Jeremy Grantham has 48. They share insights on 16 common topics, yet each brings unique perspectives and methodologies that complement each other.
What do Howard Marks and Jeremy Grantham have in common?
Howard Marks and Jeremy Grantham share principles across 16 investment topics. These common themes represent the most fundamental ideas in investing, approached from different but complementary angles.
Should I follow Howard Marks or Jeremy Grantham to learn investing?
Both masters offer invaluable wisdom. Howard Marks with 48 principles and Jeremy Grantham with 48 principles cover complementary aspects of investing. Studying both provides a more complete investment framework.