Michael Burry is a prominent American investor and hedge fund manager, best known for his prescient prediction of the subprime mortgage crisis that unfolded between 2007 and 2010. He founded Scion Capital in 2000, where he employed a value investing approach to identify undervalued securities. Under his leadership, Scion Capital thrived until 2008, when he decided to close the fund to focus on his personal investments and strategies.
Burry gained widespread recognition for his foresight during the housing bubble, where he was one of the first investors to bet against subprime mortgages. His bold strategy ultimately yielded substantial profits, establishing him as a key figure in the financial crisis narrative, notably depicted in the book and film *The Big Short*. His insights into market behavior and risk assessment continue to resonate within investment circles.
In August 2023, reports indicated that Burry’s new hedge fund, Scion Asset Management, made a significant $1.6 billion bet on a potential U.S. stock market crash. He held put options on both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq-100, which sparked considerable media attention. However, clarifications revealed that the $1.6 billion figure represented the maximum potential value of the options, not their purchase price, while Scion’s assets under management totaled approximately $238 million.
Michael Burry’s analytical prowess and contrarian approach to investing have positioned him as a noteworthy voice in the finance community. His career reflects a deep understanding of market dynamics and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, making him a compelling figure for investors and analysts alike.