Berkshire Hathaway Stock Plummets 99.9% Due to NYSE Technical Error

Editorial Team (ET)April 26, 2025

In an unprecedented turn of events, a technical glitch on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) led to a dramatic, yet incorrect, display of stock prices. Most notably, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) A-shares seemed to plummet by an astonishing 99.9%. This incident, which occurred on a Monday morning, caused widespread confusion and highlighted the vulnerabilities in the modern trading system.

What Happened?

On Monday, traders and investors were taken aback when the NYSE's systems malfunctioned, showing incorrect stock prices and triggering volatility halts. The glitch was primarily due to an issue with industry-wide price bands published by the Consolidated Tape Association (CTA) Securities Information Processor (SIP). These price bands are crucial as they prevent extreme volatility or drastic movements in individual stock prices.

Berkshire Hathaway's 99.9% Drop

The most striking impact of the glitch was on Berkshire Hathaway's A-shares (BRK-A), which erroneously appeared to drop by 99.9%. This sudden and significant drop caught the attention of investors and market analysts alike, sparking a frenzy of activity as people scrambled to understand what was happening. While the A-shares were primarily affected, the B-shares (BRK-B), trading at a fraction of the A-shares' price, also experienced notable volatility, although to a lesser extent.

The Role of Price Bands

Price bands are essential tools used by exchanges to maintain market stability. They act as guardrails to prevent outsized volatility by setting upper and lower price limits for stocks. The glitch in the CTA SIP disrupted these bands, leading to the halts and erroneous price displays. This incident underscores the importance of these mechanisms in ensuring orderly market operations.

Immediate Market Reaction

As the glitch unfolded, the market reacted swiftly. BRK-B shares, while less affected than BRK-A, still experienced a 1.1% drop amid the confusion. Other stocks also faced temporary halts due to the disrupted price bands, contributing to a tense trading atmosphere. The volatility was most pronounced around 11:35 a.m. ET, when BRK-A shares reopened for trading.

NYSE's Response

In response to the incident, the NYSE issued a statement acknowledging the technical issue and its widespread impact. The exchange assured the public that it was working diligently to resolve the problem and restore normal trading conditions. According to the NYSE, the affected stocks either had reopened or were in the process of reopening by the time the statement was released.

Impact on Chipotle and Other Stocks

The glitch did not spare other notable stocks. Chipotle (CMG) experienced a temporary halt for volatility just 14 minutes after the market opened, despite being down only 1.2%. Other companies, including Horace Mann Educators (HMN) and Franco-Nevada Corp (FNV), a gold-focused royalty and streaming company, were also temporarily halted. These disruptions illustrate the broad reach of the glitch across various sectors.

Technical Glitches in the Past

This incident is not the first time the NYSE has faced technical issues. Historical data shows that glitches and system failures, although infrequent, have periodically disrupted trading. Comparing Monday's glitch to previous ones reveals a pattern of vulnerabilities that, while rare, can have significant market implications when they occur.

SEC's New Rule and Its Implications

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the NYSE had recently implemented a new rule from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that shortened the settlement period for stocks from two days to one. This change, designed to enhance market efficiency, meant that any disruptions had to be resolved more swiftly to meet the new, tighter timelines. While the rule aims to improve the trading process, it also places additional pressure on the systems to perform flawlessly.

Investor Sentiment and Market Stability

Investor sentiment following the glitch was understandably jittery. While many understood that the price drop was a technical error, the incident raised concerns about the robustness of the trading infrastructure. Such events can shake confidence in the market's stability, emphasizing the need for reliable and resilient systems.

Analyst Perspectives

Market analysts were quick to weigh in on the incident, offering insights and predictions. Many emphasized the importance of investing in more advanced and secure trading technologies to prevent future occurrences. Analysts also speculated on the potential long-term impacts on investor behavior and market dynamics, suggesting that increased vigilance and system upgrades would be crucial.

Future Preventative Measures

To prevent future glitches, the NYSE and other exchanges need to focus on enhancing their technological frameworks. This includes implementing more rigorous testing protocols, upgrading system redundancies, and ensuring real-time monitoring capabilities. The role of technology in maintaining market stability cannot be overstated, and continuous improvements are essential to safeguard against such incidents.

Lessons Learned

The key takeaway from this glitch is the critical importance of robust trading systems. As markets become increasingly digital and interconnected, the potential for technical issues grows. Ensuring that these systems are resilient and capable of handling unexpected disruptions is vital for maintaining investor trust and market integrity.

Conclusion

Monday's NYSE glitch, which saw Berkshire Hathaway's stock erroneously plummet by 99.9%, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in modern trading systems. While the immediate impacts were managed and normalcy restored, the incident highlights the need for ongoing technological advancements and robust safeguards. By learning from such events and investing in better systems, the market can continue to ensure stability and investor confidence in the future.

Warren BuffettBerkshire Hathaway

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