About the Oakmark Select Fund
About the Oakmark Select Fund
Nygren co-manages the Oakmark Select Fund—his investment lab, so to speak. A little experimentation here, a solid thesis there, and boom: powerful returns.
Launched in 1996, the fund holds a relatively concentrated portfolio, typically around 20 stocks that Nygren and team believe are undervalued gems.
Tangible results
The “magic” of the fund comes down to deep analysis and common sense. Its strong annual returns prove the team does its homework. Highlights include:
Consistent performance: Often outpacing the S&P 500.
Focus on quality: Durable companies form the portfolio’s core.
This discipline helped elevate the fund as a go-to option for investors who want more than just passive ETFs. As Mark Twain said, “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” Maybe it’s time to start your own investment story—with Nygren’s wisdom on your side.
Bill Nygren operates methodically, his deliberate moves echoing the steady pulse of traditional investing while uncovering unexpected insights with every shift in the market.
His investment strategy
His investment strategy
Nygren is best described as a value-hunter in the jungle of capital markets. His method is to find undervalued companies with real growth potential. But how exactly does he do that?
Unlike traders chasing daily volatility, Nygren plays the long game. He dissects fundamentals and listens for those subtle signals that scream “opportunity” to a trained eye.
Core principles
Long-term focus: Nygren doesn’t ride trends—he sails steady seas.
Deep fundamental analysis: No guessing—every stock is rigorously vetted.
Intrinsic value mindset: The holy grail of smart investing.
His strategy has proven effective even in tough years. In the 2008 crisis, while others panicked, he was bargain-hunting in beaten-down sectors.
One defining moment: betting on tech just before the dot-com crash. He went against the grain—and won. His motto? Buy low, sell high. That’s true throne-game investing.
Why he’s known
Bill Nygren: The Oracle of Chicago
Bill Nygren is widely respected for his investing expertise, earning a place alongside giants like Warren Buffett—just with less flash. But who needs hype when your track record speaks volumes?
He launched his finance career at Harris Associates in the 1980s and later became the mind behind the Oakmark Select Fund. His knack for spotting value in market chaos made him a Wall Street force to be reckoned with.
And if you thought all fund managers lived for charts and spreadsheets, think again. Nygren is known for deep analysis and long-term thinking—a true “numbers romantic.”
Awards and recognition
Throughout his career, Nygren has earned several prestigious awards. Notable mentions include:
Morningstar Fund Manager of the Year: A title you don’t get handed for free.
Fund Rankings Top 10: A spot he’s held firmly over the years.
These recognitions cemented his status as one of the industry's most respected fund managers—minus the oversized ego. Nygren remains grounded while delivering results.
He’s a die-hard value investor, betting on stocks whose price doesn’t reflect their true worth. That approach has consistently paid off, even during economic storms.
Last Update
31.3.25
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WHO IS BILL NYGREN? A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE LEGENDARY INVESTOR
Learn who Bill Nygren really is, what makes him a renowned investor, and how his approach helped shape the Oakmark Select Fund into a standout performer.