Berkshire breaks out to record high with fourth-quarter rally reaching 19%

Berkshire Hathaway shares have climbed sharply in the fourth quarter, reaching a record high and gaining 19%. The rally marks a strong finish to the year for the conglomerate, whose performance investors track as a measure of confidence in its businesses and investment approach.

The article also features Warren Buffett discussing books and principles that shaped his investing. He recommends Benjamin Graham’s *The Intelligent Investor* and Phil Fisher’s early books, stressing that investors should view shares as ownership in a business, keep a steady attitude towards market swings and leave a margin of safety.