Skip to content

Every once in a while, an up-or-down-leg goes on for a…

“Every once in a while, an up-or-down-leg goes on for a long time and/or to a great extreme and people start to say "this time it's different." They cite the changes in geopolitics, institutions, technology or behaviour that have rendered the "old rules" obsolete. They make investment decisions…” quote by Howard Marks
Download Open image
““Every once in a while, an up-or-down-leg goes on for a long time and/or to a great extreme and people start to say "this time it's different." They cite the changes in geopolitics, institutions, technology or behaviour that have rendered the "old rules" obsolete. They make investment decisions that extrapolate the recent trend. And then it turns out that the old rules still apply and the cycle resumes. In the end, trees don't grow to the sky, and few things go to zero.””

Howard Marks

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Markets often repeat historical patterns despite claims of novelty; fundamentals and old rules reassert themselves over time.

In simple terms: Old rules still matter despite new trends.

Key Takeaway

Recognize enduring fundamentals.

Themes

finance history behavior cycles

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

advisory reflective

When to use this quote

  • portfolio management
  • risk assessment
  • policy analysis
  • strategic planning

Key Concepts

economic cycles market psychology investment strategy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What fundamentals are being ignored?
  • How can you test if a trend truly breaks history?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on novelty can cause misallocation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Howard Marks

Explore all 34 Howard Marks quotes

More Investing quotes

Browse all 13,164 Investing quotes