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Investing News
Warren Buffett participates in a panel discussion at Georgetown University March 13, 2007. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Warren Buffett is sitting on over $180 billion in cash and warned ‘more can go wrong.’ 2 strategies to diversify beyond the stock market

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In the world of investing, few have achieved a track record as remarkable as Warren Buffett.

From 1964 to 2023, he steered Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) to a staggering total return of 4,384,748%, far surpassing the S&P 500's already impressive gain of 31,223% during the same timeframe.

Despite his knack for making savvy investments, the Oracle of Omaha doesn’t always go all in on the markets. In fact, Berkshire’s latest quarterly report reveals that as of the end of Q1 2024, Buffett's company was holding more than $182 billion in cash.

In Berkshire’s 2024 annual shareholders meeting, Buffett addressed the question of why the company is maintaining such a substantial cash position.

“I don't think anybody sitting at this table has any idea of how to use it effectively, and therefore we don't use it,” he stated, emphasizing that “we only swing at pitches we like.”

Some view Buffett’s massive cash position as a sign that he is bearish on the stock market.

And Buffett has voiced concerns about future complexities, noting, “As the world gets more sophisticated, complicated and intertwined, more can go wrong.” He added that the company aims to be prepared to “act when that happens.”

If you share that cautious outlook, here are a few ways to diversify your investments beyond the stock market.

Gold

Gold is considered a natural hedge because, unlike paper currency, it can’t be printed at will by central banks. That scarcity is part of what gives the metal its enduring appeal.

It’s also widely viewed as the ultimate safe-haven asset. Gold isn’t tied to any single country, currency or economy and when financial markets turn volatile or geopolitical tensions flare, investors often flock to it — driving prices higher. In October 2025, gold surpassed expectations and rose above $4,000 USD per ounce.

Priority Gold is an industry leader in precious metals, offering physical delivery of gold and silver. Plus, they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating from Trust Link.

If you’d like to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, Priority Gold offers 100% free rollover, as well as free shipping, and free storage for up to five years. Qualifying purchases will also receive up to $10,000 in free silver.

To learn more about how Priority Gold can help you reduce inflation’s impact on your nest egg, download their free 2025 gold investor bundle.

Real estate

Real estate is another productive asset Buffett has highlighted, and for good reason: it generates rental income.

“[If] you offer me 1% of all the apartment houses in the country and you want another $25 billion, I’ll write you a check. It’s very simple,” the legendary investor said in 2022.

Whether the economy is booming or in a recession, people need a place to live. And with real estate prices rising to unaffordable levels in many parts of the country, renting has become the only option for many people.

Real estate is also a well-known hedge against inflation. As the price of raw materials and labor increases, new properties are more expensive to build, driving up the price of existing real estate.

Of course, that also means properties can be costly, especially with elevated mortgage rates. But these days, you don’t need to buy a house to start investing in real estate thanks to online platforms like Arrived.

Arrived is an online platform where you can invest in shares of rental homes and vacation rentals without taking on the responsibilities of property management.

To get started, you can browse through a curated selection of homes, vetted for their appreciation and income potential and choose the number of shares you want to buy.

Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy for rental properties to fit into your investment strategy regardless of your status as an investor.

For years, direct access to the $22.5 trillion commercial real estate sector has been limited to a select group of elite investors — until now.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

Mogul is a real estate investment platform offering fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties, which gives investors monthly rental income, real-time appreciation and tax benefits — without the need for a hefty down payment or 3 A.M. tenant calls.

Founded by former Goldman Sachs real estate investors, the team hand-picks the top 1% of single-family rental homes nationwide for you. Simply put, you can invest in institutional quality offerings for a fraction of the usual cost.

Each property undergoes a vetting process, requiring a minimum 12% return even in downside scenarios. Across the board, the platform features an average annual IRR of 18.8%. Their cash-on-cash yields, meanwhile, average between 10 to 12% annually. Offerings often sell out in under three hours, with investments typically ranging between $15,000 and $40,000 per property.

Every investment is secured by real assets, not dependent on the platform’s viability. Each property is held in a standalone Propco LLC, so investors own the property — not the platform. Blockchain-based fractionalization adds a layer of safety, ensuring a permanent, verifiable record of each stake.

Getting started is a quick and easy process. You can sign up for an account and then browse available properties. Once you verify your information with their team, you can invest like a mogul in just a few clicks.

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