As Buffett steps down, his principles carry on ⏳

Buffett's approach to holding quality companies "forever" has allowed compounding to work its magic. His biggest winners weren't quick trades but businesses he’s held for decades, allowing their intrinsic value to materialize.

When Buffett finds businesses with strong competitive advantages, he's content to let time work in his favor. Coca-Cola, which Buffett began purchasing in 1988 and still holds today, has returned 7290%, including dividends.

Throughout Buffett's tenure, he's navigated through over 30 market corrections and 10 bear markets, including 1987’s Black Monday, the dot-com bubble burst, and the COVID-19 plunge.

While others retreated during the 2008 financial crisis, Buffett deployed capital – including a US$5 billion investment in Goldman Sachs. Going against the crowd is easier said than done, but it's been central to Buffett's success.

This quote, from his mentor Benjamin Graham, captures an important point: day-to-day prices reflect investor sentiment, while long-term returns reflect actual business performance.

Rather than short-term market moves (the "voting"), Buffett looks at long-term fundamentals, like a firm’s revenues and profits (the "weighing"). When the dot-com bubble sent valuations soaring, he stayed away from speculation – by 2002, when market euphoria gave way to economic reality, Buffett's focus on value proved prescient.

Buffett's retirement marks the end of a chapter in investing history, but his principles aren't retiring with him.

For those who don't have the time to analyze individual companies like Buffett does, he recommends low-cost index funds to gain broad exposure, without trying to pick winners and losers.

The Fed held rates steady at 4.25–4.50%, signaling uncertainty ahead. Chair Powell admits: tariffs are fueling both inflation and job risks. It’s a balancing act in a fog of mixed signals.

April's strong jobs report shows resilience, but GDP dipped as businesses scrambled before tariffs hit. Markets now expect a rate cut by July, maybe three by year-end.

For investors, this is a moment to stay sharp, not shaken. In turbulence, those who stay focused on the long game—like Buffett did—will find opportunity where others see chaos.