While some early risers eagerly tuned in to watch King Charles III’s coronation, others were captivated by a different kind of spectacle: the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting affectionately dubbed the “Woodstock for Capitalists.” Held in Omaha, Nebraska, the event featured the ever-insightful Warren Buffett, who, at 92, continues to share his valuable perspectives on the company’s performance and pressing economic matters.

Here’s a rundown of the highlights from this year’s meeting:

1. Addressing the regional banking crisis: Buffett did not mince words when criticizing the leadership of banks such as First Republic and SVB that collapsed this spring. He emphasized the need for consequences and “punishment” for those responsible but also acknowledged the problematic nature of bank regulations, which can encourage reckless behavior. Additionally, he cited poor communication between politicians and the media surrounding the crisis. Buffett ultimately supported the government’s intervention to protect SVB depositors, asserting that the alternative would have been catastrophic.
2. The enduring strength of the dollar: Asserting the continued dominance of the US dollar as the reserve currency, Buffett dismissed the idea of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin toppling the dollar’s supremacy, labeling such a notion as a “joke.”
3. Berkshire’s booming Apple investment: Berkshire Hathaway’s stake in Apple has soared to a staggering $151 billion, accounting for nearly half the value of its entire stock portfolio. Buffett proudly stated, “It just happens to be a better business than any we own.”
4. A nugget of life advice: Always one to impart wisdom, Buffett shared a simple yet profound tip for personal growth: “You should write your obituary and then try to figure out how to live up to it.”

As always, the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting offered valuable insights into the mind of one of the world’s most successful investors. Warren Buffett’s thoughts on the banking crisis, the unshakeable status of the US dollar, and Berkshire’s flourishing Apple investment provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of finance and remind us that there’s always more to learn from the Oracle of Omaha.