Billionaires back UnitedHealth
A wave of high-profile investors has poured money into UnitedHealth Group, marking a striking shift in sentiment toward the health insurer. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway was joined by George Soros, BlueCrest Capital, and other elite family offices in snapping up shares during the second quarter. Despite corporate turbulence, this collective endorsement has given UnitedHealth’s stock fresh momentum, lifting it more than 14% in recent months.
Turmoil meets resilience
UnitedHealth has faced a cascade of challenges, from leadership upheaval to federal scrutiny over Medicare billing. In December, tragedy struck with the fatal shooting of a top executive, followed by a downgraded outlook in April and the CEO’s resignation in May. Yet investors like David Tepper’s Appaloosa Management saw opportunity in the chaos, adding millions of shares. This contrarian wave has stabilized the company’s valuation, with Berkshire’s stake alone now worth over $1.6 billion.
Tech remains a magnet
Beyond healthcare, the latest 13F filings reveal a continued preference for technology giants. Soros and the Parker family’s Kemnay Advisory Services added to Apple positions, while BlueCrest and Silicon Valley–linked Iconiq Capital expanded Nvidia holdings. Iconiq also opened a new bet on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, signaling enduring confidence in global chip demand despite geopolitical risks.
Shifting strategies at major funds
The Gates Foundation cut nearly 2.3 million Microsoft shares, even as it deepened its commitment to Berkshire Hathaway, bringing its stake to nearly $12 billion. Meanwhile, Stanley Druckenmiller’s Duquesne Family Office pared exposure aggressively, exiting 37 positions that included US Bancorp and Citigroup. These moves reflect a market still balancing between defensive plays and high-growth bets, with family offices and foundations navigating volatility with sharper portfolio adjustments.
What it means for markets
The fresh capital flowing into UnitedHealth highlights how value investors hunt for strength in battered sectors, betting on long-term fundamentals over short-term setbacks. Meanwhile, the concentration of money into tech leaders like Apple, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor underscores the continuing dominance of semiconductors and big tech in shaping investor sentiment. As funds rotate positions and family offices make bold adjustments, the ripple effects could influence broader market momentum in the second half of the year.
