One key reason for Berkshire Hathaway's strength was the decision by Chief Executive Officer Warren Buffett and his team to raise cash in 2024. Last year, the company increased the amount of cash and short-term investments on the conglomerate's balance sheet by nearly 100% to more than $330 billion.

Berkshire Hathaway B shares slid 4.1% Monday afternoon, after Warren Buffett stunned shareholders on Saturday with the announcement that he plans to step down as CEO at the end of the year.

"You're losing one of the most esteemed investors one could argue of all time," a source said of investors' reaction to Buffett's plan to step down.