Asian markets were mostly weaker, with Japan's Nikkei Stock Average finishing 0.5% lower as the yen strengthened slightly, backing away from the widely watched 100-per-dollar level.

WSJ: Stocks Jump for Week Despite Loss Friday

Japan's Nikkei Stock Average rose 0.7%, finishing at a 52-week high, with a 3.6% advance for the week.

WSJ: Stocks Close Broadly Higher

Buffett is putting the finishing touches on Berkshire, making his passing uneventful for the stock.

FORBES: Managing Money

As for foundations and operating charities, says Commonfund, they also fared poorly, finishing the 2011 calendar year in slightly negative terriory and lagging the broader stock and bond markets.

FORBES: Why Do Colleges And Charities Speculate With Your Donations?

The 30-stock Dow climbed as high as 14, 286 in afternoon trading, finishing the day with a 126 point, or 0.9%, gain to 14, 253.77.

FORBES: Markets Rewind: March Comes In Like A Bull As Stocks Race To Record Highs - Forbes

The 500-stock index gained 15 points, or 1%, to 1, 539.79, finishing just over 25 points below its 1, 565.15 peak.

FORBES: Dow Closes At Record 14,254 As Rally Keeps Rolling

Renard saw his stock rise after he guided an unfancied Zambian side through a tough group at the Nations Cup, finishing top ahead of Cameroon, Tunisia and Gabon.

BBC: Renard targets 2012 Nations Cup