Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, downplayed the recent stock market volatility during the company’s annual shareholders meeting on Saturday. He emphasized that the recent market movements are not unusual and do not present significant investment opportunities based on his historical perspective. “What has happened in the last 30, 45 days, 100 days … it’s really nothing,” Buffett said.
“This is not a huge move. … This has not been a dramatic bear market or anything of the sort.”
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Buffett pointed out that there were three occasions over the last six decades where Berkshire Hathaway stock declined 50%, but there was no fundamental issue with the company during these periods. He said, “I don’t get fearful by things that other people are afraid of in a financial way.
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Let’s say Berkshire went down 50% next week, I would regard that as a fantastic opportunity, and it wouldn’t bother me in the least.”
These comments come as investors wonder what’s next for markets after the wild trading seen amid concerns over President Donald Trump’s contentious tariff policy announced in early April. The market recently notched a significant rebound, clawing back losses seen in the initial sell-off following Trump’s policy unveiling. Buffett reminded investors that the market has climbed over his lifetime, while cautioning that they need to be ready for bouts of troublesome action.
Buffett’s perspective on market fluctuations
He shared that the Dow Jones Industrial Average sat at 240 on his birthday, Aug. 30, 1930, and fell as low as 41.
Despite “hair-curler” events he’s lived through, the blue-chip average finished Friday above 41,300. “If it makes a difference to you whether your stocks are down 15% or not, you need to get a somewhat different investment philosophy,” Buffett said. “The world is not going to adapt to you.
You’re going to have to adapt to the world.”
He added, “People have emotions. But you got to check them at the door when you invest.”
During the meeting, Buffett also announced his intention to step down as CEO at the end of the year, making way for vice chairman Greg Abel to succeed him. “I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive officer of the company at year-end,” Buffett said.
Under Buffett’s leadership, Berkshire Hathaway grew significantly, and his investing principles have influenced countless investors. His departure marks the end of an era for the conglomerate, but his investing wisdom will likely endure.
Image Credits: Photo by Yorgos Ntrahas on Unsplash
