The Dow Jones Industrial Average on Friday was set for its first record close of the year, riding a wave of recent market optimism and seeing a brief upward push from someone who hardly needs an introduction: Warren Buffett.

Berkshire Hathaway's $1.6 billion stake in UnitedHealth Group is helping to lift the Dow Jones Industrial Average to a new record as investors pile into healthcare sector funds.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened at its highest levels on record on Friday after Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a stake in one of its key stocks. The Dow was up 263 points, or 0.

UnitedHealth has been the Dow’s worst performer of 2025, but jumped 13% Friday. Here’s why Buffett and other leading hedge funds suddenly love the stock.

Buffett & Co. picked up UnitedHealth stock on the cheap, with the embattled blue chip one of the newest holdings in the Berkshire Hathaway equity portfolio.

Shares of UnitedHealth Group surged nearly 14% on Friday after billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway bought 5 million shares of the company, providing a shot in the arm for investors who think the health conglomerate will turn around under its new CEO.

Warren Buffett proves, once again, why he's the best Provided by Dow Jones May 1, 2025, 7:25:00 PM

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. bought shares in health insurance company UnitedHealth Group Inc., while exiting its holding in telecommunications operator T-Mobile US Inc. in the second quarter.