Buffett's Berkshire posts nearly $50 billion loss as coronavirus causes pain

Berkshire said most of its more than 90 businesses are facing "relatively minor to severe" negative effects from COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus and now punishing the global economy, with revenue slowing considerably in April even at businesses deemed "essential." Buffett also allowed Berkshire's cash stake to rise to a record $137.3 billion from $128 billion at the end of 2019. Berkshire said it bought only a net $1.8 billion of stocks in the first quarter.