'Stupid and evil'. Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger unload on Bitcoin

Buffett recommends investing in anything that develops yourself.

| More on:
An angry customer yells at his mobile phone, indicating trouble for an ASX company

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) represents different things to different people.

Launched way back in January 2009 by a person or people going under the name Satoshi Nakamoto, the world's first crypto is sometimes lauded as a financial equaliser. One whose decentralised nature takes control from established financial institutions and is free from government manipulation.

But not everyone agrees with this rosy take.

Just say no

Over the weekend legendary investor Warren Buffett and his long-time right-hand man Charlie Munger hosted Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting.

With cryptos gaining mainstream traction across the globe, their opinions on Bitcoin came up.

As Bloomberg reports, Buffett said he's not sure what to do with the likes of Bitcoin and other cryptos.  According to the Oracle of Omaha, crypto assets aren't productive like real estate or farmland.

Munger, well-known for his disdain of cryptos, said, "When you have your own retirement account and your friendly adviser suggests you put all your money into Bitcoin, just say no."

"In my life I try and avoid things that are stupid, and evil and make me look bad in comparison with somebody else. Bitcoin does all three," he added.

If not cryptos then what?

Buffett and Munger couldn't have been clearer on their dislike of Bitcoin.

But with resurgent inflation, rather than speculating on stocks like you're in a casino or investing in digital assets that you may not understand, Buffett recommended (quoted by Bloomberg):

The best investment by far is anything that develops yourself. If you're the one they pick out to do any particular activity – sing or play baseball or be their lawyer, whatever it may be – whatever abilities you have can't be taken away from you. They can't actually be inflated away from you.

How has Bitcoin been tracking?

Crypto investors would have done well to take Warren Buffett's advice this year.

So far in 2022, the Bitcoin price is down 20%, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

The world's leading crypto is currently down 45% from its 10 November all-time highs of US$68,790.

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Cryptocurrencies

Scared looking people on a rollercoaster ride representing volatility.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin price volatility is back. Should ASX investors pay attention?

Bitcoin’s wild week is a reminder of how quickly digital asset markets can reverse.

Read more »

A man sits at his computer with his head in his hands while his laptop screen displays a Bitcoin symbol and his desktop computer screen displays a steeply falling graph.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin price collapse leads US$1 trillion crypto crash

Bitcoin, Ethereum and most every major crypto are in freefall. But why?

Read more »

Yellow an black bitcoin with a red arrow going down.
Cryptocurrencies

This is the only reason you should be buying Bitcoin right now

Bitcoin might be in the buy zone, but only if you buy for the right reason.

Read more »

A man sits at his computer with his head in his hands while his laptop screen displays a Bitcoin symbol and his desktop computer screen displays a steeply falling graph.
Cryptocurrencies

Why is the Bitcoin price getting smashed?

Crypto investors have been selling off their Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings. But why?

Read more »

Gold Bitcoins lying on a global finance currency chart with arrows shooting higher.
Cryptocurrencies

How to join the more than 10% of Aussies now invested in cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are now the third most popular investment for Australians, behind shares and cash.

Read more »

A man lays his head down on his arms at his desk in front of an array of computer screens and a laptop computer.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin price slide sends world's top crypto into bear market

The Bitcoin price tumbled 21% from October’s all-time highs.

Read more »

A rich buisnessman buys luxury items with Bitcoin
Cryptocurrencies

What's sending the gold and Bitcoin price to new record highs?

Investors are sending Bitcoin and gold surging to new record highs. But why?

Read more »

Gold Bitcoin coin in the outback.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin and gold surge to record highs as investors pile into the debasement trade

A weakening dollar and record bitcoin price have investors chasing hard assets in 2025’s defining market trend.

Read more »