Buffett invests further in six selected long-term stocks

Warren Buffett has recently increased his investments in six out of eight stocks he plans to hold indefinitely. This strategy reflects his ongoing confidence in these companies, which are part of Berkshire Hathaway's large portfolio. Buffett, known for his optimistic outlook on the U.S. economy, has overseen impressive returns for Berkshire Hathaway since he became CEO. In a recent letter to shareholders, he mentioned his long-term holdings, which include well-known companies like Coca-Cola and American Express. In February, Buffett spent about $35.7 million to buy more shares of Occidental Petroleum. This company has become a significant part of Berkshire’s portfolio, with nearly 265 million shares acquired since 2022. Buffett's investment in Occidental indicates he believes crude oil prices will remain strong due to previous cuts in capital spending by energy companies during the pandemic. Buffett also expanded his stakes in five major Japanese trading houses: Mitsubishi, Itochu, Mitsui, Sumitomo, and Marubeni. These companies have diverse operations across Japan's economy, covering sectors like energy, food resources, and healthcare. They are seen as stable investments with low management costs and shareholder-friendly practices. With the current stock market being very expensive, Buffett finds value in these Japanese firms. Their lower price-to-earnings ratios make them attractive options for long-term investment, especially as he has struggled to find other good deals recently.