Tuesday 14 August 2012

Buffett's $2 Billion Mistake

Uniquely, Buffett also considers what could have been when he analyzes his mistakes.

In 1988 he wanted to buy 30 million (split-adjusted) shares in Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), which would have cost around $350 million.

"After we bought about 7 million shares, the price began to climb.  In frustration, I stopped buying ...  In an even sillier move, I surrendered to my distaste for holding small positions and sold the 7 million shares we owned."

In October 1993, he told Forbes that "he left $2 billion on the table by selling Fannie Mae too early.  He bought too little and sold too early.  "It was easy to analyze.  It was within my circle of competence.  And for one reason or another, I quit.  I wish I could give you a good answer."

This was a mistake that, he wrote, "thankfully, I did not repeat when Coca-Cola stock rose similarly during our purchase program which began later the same year.



2 comments:

Commodity Tips | Stock MarketTips said...

Nice Blog,
No matter if you are stock market trader or investor, You need to be very careful while dealing in NSE Tips. Stock market offers huge returns but many less people are able to stay in profit just think why? Is it because of lack of share trading knowledge? Well let’s discuss this in this nice blog and see what everyone has to say about it. Come one let’s start a discussion which will benefit lot of stock market traders and investors.

Newbie said...

Hi Iinvestsmart,
Would you mind sharing your investment mistake?
It would be a good lesson to newbies like me.

Regards.