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Assets Quote by Warren Buffett

“And people really behaved in a fraudulent way or something, we'll go back and find the culprits later on. But that really isn't the problem we have. I mean that's where it came from, though. We leveraged up and if you have a 20 percent fall in value of a $20 trillion asset, that's $4 trillion. And…” quote by Warren Buffett
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“And people really behaved in a fraudulent way or something, we'll go back and find the culprits later on. But that really isn't the problem we have. I mean that's where it came from, though. We leveraged up and if you have a 20 percent fall in value of a $20 trillion asset, that's $4 trillion. And when $4 trillion lands - losses land in the wrong part of this economy, it can gum up the whole place.”

Warren Buffett

About This Quote

Source Interview: 2010 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, 2010

Large financial losses can destabilize the economy, highlighting systemic risk.

In simple terms: Big losses can ripple through the economy.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and mitigate systemic risk.

Themes

economics risk systemic failure financial markets macro‑stability

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

financial strategic

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • policy planning
  • risk assessment
  • portfolio management

Key Concepts

risk management regulatory oversight diversification stress testing

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can reduce systemic risk?
  • How do you prepare for large market shocks?
A Different Perspective

Markets can adapt, but recovery may be slow.

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