Is Berkshire Hathaway the path to riches?

I have been a fan of Warren Buffet and his Berkshire Hathaway stock (BRK.B) almost since the day I started getting interested in investing.  Through thick and thin Warren has continued to make money by buying established companies that have executed a solid business plan in the past and are expected to continue profitable operations in the future.  He tries to buy them at a discount and hopes to hold them forever.  He has made a lot of money for others and a killing for himself.  I wouldn't bet against him but I think you can do better on your own but only of you are willing to work a disciplined plan.  During the last 3 1/2 year period the general market as measured by the Value Line Index has beaten him soundly as this Barchart graph shows:

Barchart technical indicators:

• 80% Barchart short term technical sell signal
• Trend Spotter technical sell signal
• Below its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
• Lost 19.99% off its 1 year high vs. the Value Line Index loss of 17.56%
• Relative Strength Index is 46.99 and climbing slightly
• Barchart computes a technical support level at 69.06
• Recently traded around 70.16 which is below its 50 day moving average of 73.22
• Recent price movement in the last 28 trading sessions:

Summary:  Berkshire Hathaway class B shares (BRK.B) are suited for long term investors who want to use a value investing approach for the long haul and realize that they are paying a premium to let Mr Buffet invest for them.  Since today's price is at least 20% cheaper than it has been in the past year now is a good entry point.  Investors that want to stay personally involved and continue a hands on approach should pass on these shares.

Jim Van Meerten is a Marketocracy Master