The Buffett / Combs Trade

What was the first thing that came to mind when you heard the name "Todd Combs"?

Warren Buffett
Photo: David Goldman
Warren Buffett

My first thought was, could it be time to sell Berkshire Hathaway ?

Now, I don't own the stock — as a producer at CNBC, I am not allowed to own any individual stocks.

But, that didn't stop me from thinking, who is this guy they are annointing the next king of the investment world? Some kid who runs less than a billion dollars? According to google news, no less than 534 new articles have been written about him in the PAST 24-HOURS!

So, if you are so inclined — there is plenty out there to read about him. But, I am not dealing in facts here — this is raw emotion — the kind of emotion that drives markets. One money manager said to me that this job has to be filled by someone willing to leave his / her job, give up some autonomy and answer to Warren Buffett. Maybe that's the kind of guy that can run $400 million but, does he have the stomach for tens of billions?

If Warren is passing the torch—if only emotionally—then maybe it's time for investors to explore other opportunities, too.