Warren Buffett on Gold

Not trying to knock the master here but why is it that Buffett won't trade gold?

His explanation here...makes it sound like it's too big of a gamble, but in an econ climate like today, is it really as big of a gamble anymore?

CNBC asked him the question around the time of his annual shareholder letter...can be seen here >>

http://bit.ly/e1donm

11 Comments
 

With the economy looking up, why would you buy gold? I mean, if you think it's going to tank, go for it.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

Meh, at least he actually made a contribution to WSO in the process.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 
Best Response

One of the biggest factors that asset managers now face is that there are a limited number of places to invest when you consider the risk/reward ratios. Equities and bonds are both expensive on a historical basis and despite the market momentum there are few fundamental reasons why the market should continue to go higher after doubling from the lows. The primary driver has been governmental intervention and artificial asset inflation.

I think raising cash and preparing for the next opportunity is the way to go right now but most people cant sit out on the sidelines. Mr. Market just isnt offering very many compelling deals. I think gold should be part of everyone's portfolio given the current economic climate. I dont disagree with Buffet often.

 

I am a gold bull but I see where Buffet is coming from. Basically his view on gold is that it has no intrinsic value and is only worth what you get when selling to a greater fool. In the ultra long run he is correct and the gold bubble will pop some day, but I think this one could be truly immense. As long as its perceived fundamentals (exploding sovereign debt, loose monetary policies, diversification of central bank reserves away from the dollar) as well as the supply / demand balance (new supply is coming onto the market but offset by huge investment demand from China due to their inflation problem and lack of speculative avenues) keep moving in the right direction, I will continue to be bullish.

 

When you're long commodities you're short human innovation - if you bought gold versus bought an equity index 50 years ago you'd be out money in the long run holding gold. Buffet is a value investor who prefers to buy companies with proven income streams and then waiting for the long term. It is not surprising that he said this.

 

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