Berkshire Hathaway's Stock: Easy Money May Have Hindered Returns

Years of Low Interest Rates May Have Impacted Company's Performance

Buffett's Company Still Outperforms the Market, but Growth Rate Has Slowed

For decades, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has been a beacon of steady growth and profitability. However, new evidence suggests that the recent era of easy money and low interest rates may have taken a toll on the company's stock price returns.

From 1965 to 2021, Berkshire Hathaway stock generated a compound annual return of just over 20 percent. While this is an impressive return, it is significantly lower than the company's historical average of 25 percent per year.

One possible explanation for this slowdown is that low interest rates have made it easier for companies to borrow money and invest in new businesses. This has led to a proliferation of new companies, which has increased competition and put pressure on Berkshire Hathaway's profit margins.

Another possibility is that the easy money environment has led to asset price inflation. This means that the value of stocks and other assets has risen faster than the underlying economy. As a result, it has become more difficult for Berkshire Hathaway to find undervalued companies to invest in.

Despite these challenges, Berkshire Hathaway remains a solid investment. The company has a strong balance sheet, a diverse portfolio of businesses, and a proven track record of success. However, investors should be aware that the company's growth rate may be slower in the future than it has been in the past.