Warren Buffett: Sit on Gold and Wait for the Market to Crash

Warren Buffett seems to be betting on gold by investing in millions of Barrick Gold shares to prepare for a market crash, and here’s what the situation is like.

| More on:
Gold bars

Image source: Getty Images

Warren Buffett has a reputation for investing in several companies. From financial institutions of the highest order to energy giants, Buffett has diversified his investments in just the right companies to grow his conglomerate over the decades.

Berkshire Hathaway has made more than an incredible 180% in the last ten years. It is no surprise that investors look to the Oracle of Omaha to determine what they could invest in and what they should avoid.

Buffett seems to have invested in everything over his decades-long career. However, he has famously stayed away from gold and gold stocks. Buffett once said about gold, “It doesn’t do anything but sit there and look at you.”

Warren Buffett has enjoyed success through his value investing strategy. He invests in companies that will improve over time. Gold does not seem to fit the bill because gold does not grow at all. It just continues to exist.

Buffett invested in gold

His historical stance on gold was the reason everybody was shocked to find out that Berkshire invested in millions of Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) shares in Q2, 2020. While he did not technically invest in gold, Buffett did invest in a gold mining company that relies on the underlying commodity’s prices for its profits.

Or did he?

When he bought Barrick shares, it sent investors into a frenzy. Combined with the rising gold value, it sent the company’s soaring. Buffett trimmed 40% of his Barrick shares by Q3, 2020. However, he is still heavily invested in the company. It means that he might not have just been in it for the immediate profits that his portfolio saw with Barrick’s valuation soaring.

People typically buy gold because it is a safe-haven asset. Gold’s value is typically inversely proportional to the economy. As the global stock markets decline, gold prices keep increasing. Gold also increases in value when there is uncertainty in the market.

Buffett’s decision to remain invested in Barrick Gold could be a sign that he is sitting on gold due to an impending market crash. Warren Buffett is not technically investing in gold itself. He is investing in a company that mines the commodity to generate revenue. Technically, Buffett is still supporting a business instead of hoarding a commodity.

Warren Buffett has said that he would rather buy a goose that keeps laying eggs rather than buying the eggs themselves. Barrick could be his proverbial goose that keeps laying eggs for several years — or at least through a market crash.

Foolish takeaway

Buffett’s decision to invest in Barrick and then trimming his position in the company might be confusing for many investors. However, you should remember that he did not exit Barrick Gold entirely. He only reduced his stake. It is possible that he could be banking on the stock to provide him immense returns.

Warren Buffett is also hoarding a cash pile that he has grown immensely throughout 2020. Between banking on gold and sitting on cash, Buffett could be preparing for a major market crash in 2021. Investing in Barrick Gold could be a wise decision if you believe that the market will decline this year.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and recommends the following options: short January 2021 $200 puts on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and long January 2021 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares).

More on Dividend Stocks

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Under $50 New Investors Can Confidently Buy

There are some great stocks under $50 that every investor needs to know about. Here’s a look at two great…

Read more »

think thought consider
Dividend Stocks

Down 10.88%: Is ATD Stock a Good Buy After Earnings?

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) stock might not be the easy buy-case it once was. Here’s a look at what happened.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Dividend Stocks: Earn $1,200/Year Tax-Free

Canadian stocks like Fortis are a must-have in your portfolio to earn tax-free yields for decades.

Read more »

sale discount best price
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend Stock Down 11 Percent to Buy Right Now

Do you want a great dividend stock down 11% that can provide years of growth potential? Here's one heavily discounted…

Read more »

Growth from coins
Dividend Stocks

1 Grade A Dividend Stock Down 11% to Buy and Hold Forever 

If you're looking for the right dividend stock at the right price, you're going to want to consider this insurance…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

Are you looking for dividend stocks to buy right now? Here are two top picks!

Read more »

edit Taxes CRA
Dividend Stocks

Tax Time: How to Keep More of Your Money

Nearly everyone hates paying taxes, although Canadians can lessen the financial pain with the right tax strategies.

Read more »