Berkshire Hathaway posts massive US$43.8bil loss

Major indicator: Buffett arrives at a conference in Sun Valley, Idaho. Investors closely watch Berkshire because of Buffett’s reputation, and because results from the conglomerate’s dozens of operating units often mirror broader economic trends. — AFP

NEW YORK: The slide in US stock prices punished Berkshire Hathaway Inc’s bottom line in the second quarter as the company run by billionaire Warren Buffett posted a US$43.8bil (RM195bil) loss.

Berkshire nevertheless generated nearly US$9.3bil (RM41.4bil) of profit from its operating businesses, as improvement from reinsurance and the BNSF railroad offset a loss at the Geico car insurer, where car parts shortages and higher vehicle prices boosted losses from accidents.