When it comes to billionaires, many have got to where they are through investing in companies. So, it goes without saying that it might be well worth a look at what the world's rich are investing in if you're after some fresh ideas for your own portfolio.
Now a lot of folks that have the 'billionaire' moniker attached to their name obtained it by starting their own companies and retaining a large chunk of shares (Mark Zuckerberg or Gina Rinehart, for example).
But others have built or at least maintained their wealth by investing in a wider portfolio of shares for future growth.
Let's take a look at some of these billionaires and their portfolios, according to InvestorPlace
Bill Gates – Berkshire Hathaway, Microsoft
It probably won't come as a surprise that Bill gates has a sizeable investment in the company he founded – Microsoft. But Microsoft only makes up a portion of Gates' total investments. The largest is actually Berkshire Hathaway stock with Gates' 11.4 million shares representing a stake worth around US$11.9 billion. Given Warren Buffett and Bill Gates are famously good friends, this shouldn't come as too much of a surprise.
Warren Buffett – Apple
Buffett himself only owns one stock – his own company Berkshire Hathaway. But Buffett also managed Berkshire's investment portfolio – so you could say that he owns those stocks too by extension. By far Berkshire's largest investment these days is Apple stock, with around 255 million shares belonging to Berkshire at the most recent filing. This would equate to nearly US$76 billion on Apple's current share price – not a bad sum of money!
David Tepper – Alphabet
You might not have heard of hedge fund manager David Tepper. But with an estimated wealth of US $11.5 billion, he might be someone you could learn a thing or two about stock picking from! One of Tepper's most voluminous holdings is Alphabet – otherwise known by its former name Google. Tepper owns a $542 million stake in the search-engine giant, so one would assume he has some confidence in this company's future.
Ray Dalio – Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Ray Dalio has made a name for himself and his firm Bridgewater Capital (the world's largest hedge fund) for getting the big macro-economic calls right. One of Dalio's largest positions is the Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF, which invests in companies from across China, Taiwan, India and Brazil amongst others. Clearly Dalio thinks this region is set for some further prosperity going forward
Luckily for us Aussies, this is actually a stock we can buy on the ASX as well. Just look for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF (ASX: VGE) if you're interested.
Foolish takeaway
Although most of these stocks aren't available on the ASX, there are plenty of ETFs, LICs and other investment vehicles that own these shares that you can invest in if you don't want to buy them yourself. Regardless, I always think it's worth looking to where the rich and famous are investing their money – there might be a lesson or two there for your own portfolio!
