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The difference between speculation and investing isn't in that you want to earn money (everybody who buys stock want to increase their wealth). The reason is for why you pick this particular instrument.

When I buy stock (or when Berkshire Hathaway does it) I buy into business that I hope has sound fundaments and is going to grow and create more value over time. I spend considerable effort trying to understand the situation the business is in, do they have dangers ahead of them, do they have sound leadership, etc. This is investing -- buying things that you hope are going to increase in value over long time.

Speculation is when you buy things for reasons that are not at all connected with the thing you are buying. For example you noticed people are buying crypto, the price is going up, so why not jump in on the wagon and get your cut of the profit. This is speculation because it totally ignores what is it that you are buying, and the only thing that you care is that the price is going up.



Unless you have an equity position you haven't given the company anything for the shares when you buy Berkshire stock. You are essentially riding off of Buffett's success and making money without doing any work.




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