Bridgewater Associates focuses on understanding global economies and financial markets to manage investment portfolios for institutional clients. Their approach involves radical truth and transparency, encouraging open discussions and thoughtful disagreements to foster improvement and innovation. This culture allows them to build a deep understanding of market dynamics, which informs their investment strategies. Unlike many competitors, Bridgewater emphasizes an idea meritocracy where independent thinking is valued, and principles guide decision-making. Their goal is to achieve excellence in both work and relationships, ultimately delivering strong performance for their clients.