The Indicator from Planet Money · Monday, September 28, 2026
Cliff Asness, the founder of AQR Capital Management, is described as a 'mad genius' who developed sophisticated investment strategies to help the ultra-wealthy minimize taxes. Despite his brilliance, Asness is known for a volatile personality, admitting to punching computer screens during financial crises.
“He's, let's say, a mad genius in a way, who has found this way to help rich people slash their tax bills, potentially to the extreme.”
“At the same time, he's got a massively short fused. He shouts at people. He's admitted that during the financial crisis, he was punching through computer screens, maybe afterwards as well.”