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Assets Quote by Warren Buffett

“That's been lost. It's a huge problem. What you have is you have the major institutions of the world all wanting to deleverage. They want to take down their assets and liabilities. What seemed so easy to borrow against a year ago now looks like rat poison to them. So they're trying to deleverage…” quote by Warren Buffett
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“That's been lost. It's a huge problem. What you have is you have the major institutions of the world all wanting to deleverage. They want to take down their assets and liabilities. What seemed so easy to borrow against a year ago now looks like rat poison to them. So they're trying to deleverage. There is only one institution in the world that can leverage up in a way that's all a countervailing force to that, and that's the United States Treasury.”

Warren Buffett

About This Quote

Source Speech: Annual Shareholder Letter, Berkshire Hathaway, 2023

The quote describes how global institutions are trying to reduce debt, leaving the US Treasury as the only entity that can increase leverage to balance the system.

In simple terms: World banks are cutting debt, only the US Treasury can add leverage to stabilize.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the Treasury's unique role in financial stability.

Themes

finance economics policy risk balance

Mood

cautious analytical serious

Type

policy economic strategic

When to use this quote

  • banking sector
  • government budgeting
  • investment strategy
  • market analysis

Key Concepts

deleveraging countervailing force systemic risk

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does the Treasury's ability to leverage affect global markets?
  • What risks arise from countervailing leverage?
A Different Perspective

Leverage can also amplify losses if not managed carefully.

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