The article seems to say that it would require congressional approval. Wouldn't we know about it?
How stupid and shortsighted are traders that one story causes a selloff?
Best example I can remember is when a lady got suckled out of a window on Southwest flight. Stock dropped like crazy but I dont think that incident has affected their business?
You MAY know about. Government IS purchasing equity in businesses right now, though not in the form of market manipulating stock purchases.
Buffet's message is not 'just one' message. He's a market-maker. Though in this case, people think he's lost his touch.
It's not about a single article, but a general sentiment it causes. It's also not an all-or-nothing strategy, it's more of shifting priorities for many.
For example, you may have money in airlines and then decide that for the short term, your money is better invested in software for better short term returns.
Many other investors wait for this opportunity to purchase more - if you're interested in say airlines as part of your long-term strategy.
Lastly, not much is making sense these days. Really, why it shot up and then down and then sideways... There's money to be made now as well, of course, and people are capitalizing on that as well...