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Howard Marks Weighs In On AI Frenzy: Don't Go All-In Or All-Out Amid Debt-Funded 'Winner-Take-All' Risks - Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:QQQ), SPDR S&P 500 (ARCA:SPY)
Benzinga· 2025-12-10 11:44
Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the memo is that the artificial intelligence (AI) boom is labeled a "bubble," but avoiding the sector entirely could be as risky as heavily investing in it [1][2] - Marks describes the current market sentiment as "irrational exuberance," categorizing the AI craze as an "inflection bubble," similar to historical booms like railroads and the internet [2][3] - He warns that while AI technology is transformative, most early investments may result in losses, emphasizing the need to avoid being among those who lose wealth during this progress [3][6] Group 2 - A significant concern raised is the shift from equity-funded innovation to aggressive debt financing, with "circular deals" and off-balance-sheet Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) indicating market overheating [4][5] - Marks highlights the unique dangers of leverage in the AI sector, noting that in a "winner-take-all" market, debt investors may only benefit from the success of one company, which may not compensate for losses from others [5] - Despite the warnings, Marks advocates for a "moderate position" in AI investments, balancing the fear of missing out with the risk of loss, suggesting that neither complete avoidance nor total commitment is advisable [6]