Buffett can’t predict how negative rates will affect economy

OMAHA, Neb. – Investor Warren Buffett says he can’t predict how having interest rates negative for a prolonged period will affect the economy because it has never happened before.

The billionaire from Omaha said on CNBC Monday that Berkshire Hathaway’s insurance units in Europe will lose money on the cash they have to keep in banks.

He joked that Berkshire would be better off stashing cash in a giant mattress instead of banks if only he could find a trustworthy person to sleep on top of a billion euros.

Buffett says he understands why regulators cut interest rates to help Europe recover, but there’s no way to know how that will affect business.

Buffett released his annual letter to Berkshire shareholders over the weekend.

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