95-year-old Buffett, speaks out again! The current volatility is "not worth mentioning," and the stock market valuations still do not present an attractive opportunity.

Source: Securities Times Network | Author: Xu Xiaoru

At 95 years old, “the Oracle of Omaha” Warren Buffett remains active at the forefront of global capital markets, going to the office every day.

On Tuesday local time, during an appearance on CNBC’s “SquawkBox,” Buffett stated that current market valuations still lack attractiveness, and admitted that he sold Apple too early.

Meanwhile, in response to discussions about his successor Greg Abel, his investment in Apple, and sensitive personal relationship topics, Buffett also made a rare series of responses. Additionally, Buffett teamed up with NBA superstar Stephen Curry to announce the restart of the charity luncheon, once again drawing worldwide attention through this cross-industry collaboration.

On the market: the current volatility is insignificant

Even though the market has experienced some adjustments this year, in Buffett’s view, the current decline is far from reaching the “strike zone.”

“Since I took over, the market has fallen more than 50% at least three times. This situation is nothing to worry about,” Buffett said plainly. He noted that current stock market valuations still do not offer any appeal. He revealed that during this year’s market downturn, Berkshire Hathaway did not find many targets worth making large-scale new investments in.

But he also left investors with a suspense: although overall valuations are high, he is still evaluating investment projects and recently plans to make a “small-scale” new purchase. He reiterated that if the market experiences a truly significant and large decline, Berkshire’s enviable cash reserves will be ready at any moment.

Buffett also disclosed that Berkshire Hathaway bought $17 billion worth of U.S. Treasuries in this week’s weekly Treasury auctions. Berkshire Hathaway reported that, as of year-end, its cash and cash equivalents exceeded $370 billion, most of which are held in Treasuries.

On retirement life: passing the baton without stepping away, respecting the successor

Although Buffett handed over the CEO position to Greg Abel at the beginning of 2026, he has not chosen to fully retire.

He revealed that he still goes to the office every day, maintaining a high level of market sensitivity. Before the market opens each day, he calls Berkshire’s head of financial assets, Mark Millard, to discuss the market, and Millard executes the trades. This behind-the-scenes strategist role demonstrates that Buffett remains deeply involved in investment decisions.

Buffett emphasized that although he will officially hand over the CEO role to Greg Abel at the start of 2026, he will still be personally involved. “I won’t make any investments that Greg considers wrong… Greg receives daily investment reports.”

On Apple: sold too early!

Apple remains Buffett’s favorite. Buffett estimates that Berkshire’s investment gains from Apple have already exceeded $100 billion, and it remains his largest holding.

However, Buffett also rarely “revisits” and said, “I sold it too early.” Buffett admitted that if he could choose again, he would want to hold more Apple shares. Although Berkshire reduced some of its Apple holdings late last year, Buffett said that if the stock price further declines into an attractive range, he would consider increasing his holdings.

He stated that even though Apple’s stock price has fallen more than 14% from recent highs and dropped over 6% this month, it is still not attractive. “I’m glad it’s our largest position. But I don’t want its size to be nearly as large as all our other holdings combined. If Apple’s price drops to a level where we are willing to buy heavily, that’s not impossible,” he added, “but not in this market.”

It’s worth noting that Buffett has given extremely high praise to Apple’s current CEO, Tim Cook, even suggesting he surpasses Steve Jobs in certain management aspects. “Cook handles this ‘hand’ much better than Jobs did; Jobs gave him a ‘hand’ that he couldn’t handle himself,” Buffett said. He praised Cook as an outstanding manager with remarkable social skills, joking that this is a skill he and Charlie Munger could never learn.

First comments on Gates and Epstein: keep a distance

On more sensitive topics, Buffett also made rare responses.

He said that since the Jeffrey Epstein-related incidents came to light, he has not communicated with Bill Gates. “I don’t want to be in a situation where I know something, and then get subpoenaed to testify,” he said.

Nevertheless, Buffett affirmed his past friendship and charitable collaborations with Gates, but emphasized that he prefers not to comment further until all facts are fully clarified.

Partnering with Curry to restart the “charity luncheon”

In addition to investment and macroeconomic judgments, Buffett announced a highly anticipated initiative—restarting the charity luncheon auction.

This time, he will co-host the event with NBA superstar Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha. The auction will be conducted via eBay. The proceeds will be donated to nonprofit organizations supporting vulnerable groups and children’s development projects.

The bidding will start on May 7 on eBay. The final winner will bring seven friends to have lunch with Buffett and the Curry couple in Omaha on June 24.

Looking back, this 20-year charity event has raised over $50 million, with a record single donation of $19 million in 2022. With Curry’s involvement, whether the final price will hit new highs has become a hot topic among both the financial and sports communities.

Risk insights: focus on private credit and geopolitical tensions

On the macro level, Buffett remains cautious about the risks associated with the current popular “shadow banking” and private credit sectors, believing that problems could transmit within the banking system.

Regarding the Federal Reserve, he said that if he were in their position, he would also hesitate about whether to cut interest rates. His current main concerns are inflation trends and banking system stability. On geopolitical issues, he specifically mentioned concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, believing it will make the global situation even more complicated.