Berkshire reported quarterly earnings after the bell Friday that surged more than 70% versus a year ago, buoyed by investment gains and larger profits from the company's railroad business. Shares were flat in after-hours trading.

Currencies and commodities: The dollar was higher against the euro, the British pound and the Japanese yen.

Oil for December delivery fell 2.6% to $84.86 a barrel.

Gold futures for December delivery also fell sharply, slipping 2.4% to $1,675.20 an ounce.

Bonds: The price on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury also fell, pushing the yield up to 1.73% from 1.71% late Thursday.