Berkshire Hathaway shares hold above 50-day average
Berkshire Hathaway’s latest message from Warren Buffett is less about market timing than about the same trait that helped turn a textile mill into a company worth more than $1 trillion: staying patient, respectful and selective when others are chasing the next trade.
That lesson lands as Berkshire B shares trade near $510, above their 50-day moving average of $505.09 and well above the 200-day average of $492.61, after a volatile stretch that saw the stock swing from an RSI reading of 7.5 in late March to 88.0 in August. The shares closed at $509.77 on Friday, with volume of 12.48 million, suggesting investors are still treating the name as a core defensive holding even as the broader market sits in a more cautious mood.
Buffett made the comments in a CNBC special aired Jan. 13, 2026, saying kindness is the one trait that “costs nothing” and can matter in both life and business. He pointed to mentor Tom Murphy, the former Capital Cities/ABC chief, as proof that respectful behavior can pay off over decades, not just quarters.
For investors, the significance is bigger than a lifestyle quote. Berkshire’s identity is built on exactly this kind of discipline: buying quality businesses, holding them through cycles and avoiding the kind of short-term reflexes that often destroy capital. That approach has helped Buffett build a fortune of about $150 billion and made Berkshire one of the market’s most important blue-chip compounding machines.
The timing also matters because the market backdrop remains mixed. The S&P 500, tracked by SPY, closed at 761.69 on Friday, but Adalytica’s signals show sentiment at 18, labeled fear, even as awareness stays neutral at 70. In that kind of tape, Berkshire’s cash-rich, patient profile tends to appeal to investors looking for steadier exposure rather than high-beta momentum.
Buffett’s remarks also reinforce why Berkshire’s largest positions continue to matter. Apple, Coca-Cola and Bank of America remain central to the conglomerate’s portfolio and income stream, while the company’s operating businesses and investment float give it flexibility that few rivals can match.
The next test is not whether Buffett can deliver another aphorism, but whether Berkshire can keep compounding through a market that has rewarded speed more than patience. Investors will be watching the next earnings update, capital allocation moves and whether the stock can keep holding above support at the 50-day average.
| Entity | Gains | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Berkshire Hathaway long-term holders | ▲Brand strength and defensive appeal | ▼Short-term traders chasing volatility |
| Buffett-style value investors | ▲Validation of patience and discipline | ▼Momentum investors |
| Apple, Coca-Cola, Bank of America | ▲Continued relevance in Berkshire portfolio | ▼Smaller speculative growth names |
| S&P 500 risk-off investors | ▲A steady blue-chip alternative | ▼Those relying on broad market momentum |