Warren Buffett gains $21 billion in 2025 wealth surge

Warren Buffett's wealth has increased by $21 billion this year, making him the biggest gainer among the world's billionaires. Despite a challenging year for global markets in 2025, his investment strategy has paid off well. This growth comes mainly from a strong performance of Berkshire Hathaway's stock, which has risen significantly. Many countries are experiencing economic and political difficulties, including new tariffs set by U.S. President Donald Trump. In this tough environment, Buffett stands out as only a few billionaires have managed to grow their wealth this year. Berkshire Hathaway's shares have increased by about 16%, while the Nasdaq composite has dropped by 8%. Berkshire Hathaway has an impressive cash reserve of $325 billion after Buffett sold significant shares in Apple and Bank of America last year. This cash reserve is larger than the combined reserves of major tech companies like Apple and Microsoft. Some analysts speculate that Buffett's decision to hold cash might reflect his awareness of potential market challenges ahead. As market fears grow, Buffett has expanded his investments in Japan. He has increased his stakes in five Japanese trading companies, reflecting a continued interest in businesses similar to Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett believes these Japanese companies will provide good returns on investment, especially with relaxed investment limits. He indicated that Berkshire might increase its ownership in these firms over time.