Known as the “bond king” during his time at Pimco, Bill Gross’s status has undergone some big changes since he resigned last September. Nowadays he oversees a comparatively meager $1.5 billion portfolio at Janus Capital Group. Still, what he does at the helm of the fund he manages is being closely watched.
That said, here are 9 things you probably didn’t know about him:
- Don’t waste your time hunting for Bill Gross’s cellphone number. Apparently, the bond fund manager doesn’t own one because he believes the devices are “soul crushing”. (ZeroHedge)
- Gross is not above clickbait, evoking his dead cat Bob in a newsletter. Cats are the ultimate clickbait, and in a tribute to his cat who passed last year, Gross insisted that he asked her for investing recommendations for pet food stocks: “…she frequently responded – one meow for “no,” two meows for a “you bet.” She was less certain about interest rates, but then it never hurt to ask.” (Pimco’s Investment Outlook, April 2014)
- It was a serious car accident in his mid-20s that led Gross towards a career in finance. While laid up in hospital he read “Beat the Dealer” by Edward Thorp. The book explored how a card counting system could be used to help players win at blackjack. (The Wall Street Journal)
- Gross credits the car accident for his youthful head of hair. In the emergency room, doctors had to reattach his scalp, which was torn off during the crash. Gross, now 70, said his hair would have receded and thinned at a faster pace in his later life if it hadn’t been for the medical procedure. (Funds Society)
- Blame Canada. His roots trace back to Canada, where his mother’s family had a long history of farming in Manitoba.
- Don’t mention the weather. Gross has a disdain for small talk, describing the rehashed story telling at Christmas parties “real torture”. (Investment Outlook Dec. 1999)
- Early bird. He is passionate about yoga and early-morning starts, typically rising at 4.30am. (Globe & Mail)
- His net worth. $2.3 billion.
- He downsized. Gross ended 2014 overseeing a $2 billion bond fund at Janus Capital. He started 2014 overseeing a $2 trillion portfolio at Pimco.