Will following Warren Buffett help you get rich in this stock market crash?

Warren Buffett has made a huge fortune by being greedy when others are fearful, but is it wise for investors to follow this mentality today?

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

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.

sdf

Warren Buffett has made a name for himself buying stocks when they’re cheap.

Buffett has a solid track record of buying stocks while they are at bargain prices during previous bear markets. They have then gone on to generate high returns, earning him billions in the process.

Now could be an excellent time to follow this strategy and buy a diverse range of stocks to hold for the long run.

Warren Buffett’s investing style

Warren Buffett has long believed that the long-term prospects for the stock market are far superior to any other asset.

And he’s been happy to put his money where his mouth is. Over the past seven decades, Buffett has bought stocks when they’re cheap. He’s stayed away when he thinks the market looks expensive.

Now could be the right time for investors to replicate his strategy.

Realistically, stock prices could move lower in the short run. The coronavirus crisis has hammered the economy and investor sentiment.

The spread of coronavirus may likely dictate that further restrictions on movement and travel are necessary. It could be some time before airlines are back at full capacity.

The same can be said for restaurants, bars and clubs. Even if the situation improves, it could be months before the government allows large public gatherings again.

Taking the first step

This suggests that buying stocks right now could a problematic step for any investor to take. Indeed, investors could see paper losses pile up in the near term.

Nevertheless, trying to time the market is something Warren Buffett has always discouraged. He believes it’s impossible to try and pick the bottom of the market as we don’t know when investor sentiment will change.

Instead, he thinks that by focusing on the market’s highest-quality businesses, investors will do well over the long run.

He has always focused on high-quality companies. Buying these businesses when they trade at significant discounts to their intrinsic values has helped maximise his long-term rewards. This is one of the main reasons why he’s earned the title of one of the most successful investors of all time.

Following Buffett

So all in all, following Warren Buffett could help you get rich in this stock market crash. Buying high-quality businesses when they’re trading at a discount to their intrinsic value is always a sound strategy. It makes even more sense in periods of uncertainty.

However, despite the opportunities on offer right now, investors should be prepared to encounter further volatility in the near term. That may mean that if you’re not prepared to deal with this uncertainty, it might be better to sit on the sidelines for the time being.

But if you want to follow Warren Buffett and get rich, now could be the time to start snapping up some high-quality blue-chip stocks at bargain valuations.


Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Warren Buffett at a Berkshire Hathaway AGM
Investing Articles

3 simple strategies that can help drive success in the stock market on a small budget

Christopher Ruane runs through a trio of strategic moves he reckons can help an investor as they aim to build…

Read more »

British union jack flag and Parliament house at city of Westminster in the background
Investing Articles

2 growth stocks backed by this British fund that’s soared 77.8% in just 3 years!

Our writer likes the look of this under-the-radar fund, especially with a pair of exciting growth stocks near the top…

Read more »

Shot of an young mixed-race woman using her cellphone while out cycling through the city
Investing Articles

Is there value in Baltic Classifieds — a soaring growth stock that brokers are buying?

Baltic Classifieds has surged after broker upgrades. Mark Hartley asks whether this FTSE 250 stock is really worth buying now.

Read more »

Close-up image depicting a woman in her 70s taking British bank notes from her colourful leather wallet.
Investing Articles

£20k in an ISA? Here’s how it could be used to target £423 of passive income each month

Earning money from dividends in an ISA is one way to set up passive income streams. Our writer explains how…

Read more »

Chalkboard representation of risk versus reward on a pair of scales
Investing Articles

Which is better: £100,000 or a second income of £5,481 per year?

Dividend stocks and government bonds are both worthy ways of earning a second income. But which is a better choice…

Read more »

Road 2025 to 2032 new year direction concept
Investing Articles

With interest rates falling, dividend stocks could be the key to passive income between now and 2030

In the years ahead, dividend stocks are likely to offer far more potential for passive income than savings accounts, says…

Read more »

Three signposts pointing in different directions, with 'Buy' 'Sell' and 'Hold' on
Investing Articles

After a 15% decline, should I move on from this FTSE 100 stock?

An investment in a FTSE 100 restructuring situation isn’t going the way our author had anticipated. Should he sit tight,…

Read more »

Pakistani multi generation family sitting around a table in a garden in Middlesbourgh, North East of England.
Investing Articles

If a 30-year-old puts £500 a month into a Stocks and Shares ISA, they could have £2.3m at retirement!

Starting early, picking wisely and investing £500 a month from age 30 might just lead to a multi-million-pound Stocks and…

Read more »