Buffett: U.S. housing market picking up steam, but not economy in general

In a live CNBC interview Thursday with Becky Quick of "Squawk Box" Warren Buffett said general U.S. economic growth has "tempered down," but that the country's housing market has seen a "noticeable" pickup.

For months before, Buffett had pointed to a weak residential housing market as a main factor in holding back the U.S. economy.

Buffett also talked about economic situation in Europe, and noted that the United States was doing better than "virtually any other big economy" in the world.

To watch the full interview, visit CNBC.com