Warren Buffett: Economic Pearl Harbor

analysis
Oct 10, 20082 mins

What's the impact of the stock market crash on tech stocks and how will it affect IT? It's anyone's guess, but Warren Buffett has some ideas...

It’s been several weeks of bloody carnage and fear in the global economic markets. All the markets are down, tech stocks are suffering, investors are spooked, and economic indicators don’t look so hot. There are a few bright spots, like IBM’s earnings, and a lot of investors are wondering what to do. Here’s a hint: Don’t sell in a panic.

Yes, this is a major stock market crash that has hit all the markets. There’s no safe harbor. Unless you are predominantly in cash, you’re going to see a significant hit to your investments no matter what they are. But every stock market crash has the same pattern: Stocks go down, people panic, they sell, and then eventually, things improve and stocks rebound — sometimes dramatically.

If you bought stocks after the crash in ’87, you would have experienced the biggest gains in your lifetime. OK, I’m not saying everyone should go out and buy stocks today because it’s a sure thing. But if you’re a patient investor and don’t mind sailing in choppy waters, there will be big opportunities. And guess what Warren Buffett is doing? He’s investing in solid companies at bargain prices. You can view an interview with Buffett or read the transcript online or this bullet point summary.

Will things get worse? Probably. But they will also get better. It’s a cyclical market, after all. What do you guys think? Are you spooked off tech stocks? Hoarding cash in your basement? Cutting IT budgets? Let me know your thinking on the economic situation.