Inside Warren Buffett's 2025 investments: Lennar, Chevron and Constellation

Core Insights - Warren Buffett may retire as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of this year, but the investment decisions of the conglomerate continue to reflect his views on the economy [1] Investment Focus - Throughout 2025, Berkshire's investments have concentrated on brands that are closely tied to consumer health and prospects, with American consumers showing resilience post-pandemic [2] - Berkshire has been cautious about the AI stock trend, opting instead for investments in essential brands that align with long-term consumer goals [3] Specific Investments - Berkshire has significantly increased its stake in Lennar Corporation by 265%, now holding approximately 7 million shares valued at over $886 million, despite Lennar's share price dropping 28% in the past year [4] - The company has also increased its stake in Chevron by 3.45 million shares in the second quarter of this year [7] - Berkshire's investment in Constellation Brands has more than doubled to about 12 million shares worth $2.2 billion, reflecting a shift towards consumer-centered brands [10] Market Conditions - The U.S. housing market faces a severe shortage of over 4.7 million homes, exacerbated by rising costs and limited supply, which are hindering new home construction [6] - The Federal Reserve has begun lowering interest rates, which could lead to lower mortgage offers for consumers, although the federal funds rate does not directly set mortgage rates [5] Consumer Spending Trends - Gasoline prices have stabilized, contributing to consumer spending growth, with gas accounting for about one-third of the growth in consumer buying last month [9]