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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