Warren Buffett appears to remain responsible for major decisions involving Berkshire Hathaway’s more than $350 billion equity portfolio, despite Greg Abel succeeding him as CEO. Barron’s Andrew Bary argued that Abel has not been involved in notable stock calls and is instead occupied with Berkshire’s operating companies and acquisitions. Buffett said he often speaks with Abel and that neither would act without the other’s approval, but told CNBC he had initiated Berkshire’s Alphabet investment. Berkshire bought $10 billion of Alphabet shares directly from the company in the second quarter after Abel gave a rapid signoff to a stealthy weekend call from Goldman Sachs, according to Bloomberg News. Berkshire also increased its Alphabet position by roughly $17 billion, making it the portfolio’s third-largest disclosed holding as of June 30, 2026, ahead of Coca-Cola by $5.26 billion. Subsequent market moves narrowed that lead to about $20 million by Friday’s close. Berkshire’s cash fell 8.0% to $365.5 billion in the second quarter, while it repurchased $4.5 billion of its shares; Abel also committed $6.8 billion to acquire Taylor Morrison Home, although the deal closed after the quarter ended. Separately, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2024 antitrust settlement involving Berkshire subsidiary HomeServices of America and the National Association of Realtors. HomeServices agreed to pay $250 million of a more than $1 billion settlement over real estate commission rules, while some objectors may seek Supreme Court review. Berkshire Hathaway Energy faces a separate proposed antitrust class action. The newsletter also includes Buffett’s remarks on judging a product’s usefulness by market demand and current Berkshire market data as of publication.