Which of These American Icons Is the Better Buy in 2012

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which, Andrew Tonner, technology editor and analyst, and Austin Smith, consumer-goods editor and analyst, discuss topics around the investing world.

In today's edition, they reflect on today's investment landscape and its higher-than-desired risk profile. With Europe teetering on the brink of collapse, depressed housing in the United States, and concerns over the health of some key emerging markets, investors certainly have plenty to worry about. At the same time, many large-cap companies look attractively cheap, especially considering the safety cushion their size can provide. Andrew and Austin size up the prospects of two of America's most iconic companies -- General Electric and Berkshire Hathaway. Tune in to see which company they think seems more poised to thrive into the future and why.

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At the time thisarticle was published Andrew Tonner owns no shares of the companies mentioned here. Austin Smith owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool owns shares of Coca-Cola, Berkshire Hathaway, White Mountains Insurance Group, and IBM.Motley Fool newsletter serviceshave recommended buying shares of Berkshire Hathaway and Coca-Cola. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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