Report: Members of Congress Made Eye-Watering Amount in Stock in 2023, Up to $10 Million Each on Average (2024)

FAQs

Who is the most successful stock trader in Congress? ›

Brian Higgins, D-N. Y., saw his investments skyrocket by nearly 239% in 2023. That return made him by far the biggest stock-trading winner in Congress.

The average 2023 return for Republican members of Congress was a hair under 18%. In a great year for stocks, the GOP delegation on Capitol Hill significantly underperformed the S&P 500. To be sure, some Republicans in Congress were big winners.

Based on annual financial disclosures and blind trust reports filed in 2021, out of 535 total members of Congress, ➢ 284 (53%) own stock (223 Representatives, 61 Senators). Of those, 263 own both stocks and widely held investment funds.

For context, Congress filed around 11,000 financial transactions in 2023, costing over $1 billion. The report analyzed the public financial disclosure forms that members of Congress and their families must make any time they make a trade and out of 100 members, 33% beat the SPY, which itself was up 24% in 2023.

The top performing Congress traders include notable names such as Rep. Nancy Pelosi, whose portfolio was up 65% on the year; Rep. Dan Crenshaw, up 38%; and Sen. Susan Collins, up 55%.

The S&P 500 generated an impressive 26.29% total return in 2023, rebounding from an 18.11% setback in 2022. Heading into 2024, investors are optimistic the same macroeconomic tailwinds that fueled the stock market's 2023 rally will propel the S&P 500 to new all-time highs in 2024.

The final quarterly and annual numbers for 2023 were exceptionally good. They translate into substantial annual gains for millions of investors who hold stocks and bonds indirectly, through mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and trusts, often in workplace retirement accounts.

Tesla Inc.

In March 2022, Pelosi purchased 2,500 shares of Tesla by exercising 25 call options with a strike price of $500. Pelosi had purchased those call options way back in December 2020. Between the time the purchase was disclosed and the time she exercised the options, Tesla's share price climbed 41%.

Who owns 80% of stock? ›

Older Americans own larger share of the stock market

At the end of 2019, the share of equity ownership by Americans ages 55 and over was lower — around 75%. A decade ago, it was roughly 70%, and 20 years ago it was only about 60%. This growth is a potential issue for the health of the market.

The Politician Insider Trading Activity page provides details of trading activity by US Congressmen and Senators. Note: This page is updated twice daily with new transactions recorded for that day, at approximately 4am CT and 4pm CT.

The top performing traders (ahem—members of Congress) include notable names such as Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), whose portfolio was up 65% on the year; Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), up 38%; and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), up 55%.

The STOCK Act also requires members of Congress, the President, Vice President, and all Cabinet members to report any trades exceeding $1000 within 45 days of the transaction. However, there have been many publicized instances where the STOCK Act's mandates may have been compromised.

Yes, you may be able to beat the market, but with investment fees, taxes, and human emotion working against you, you're more likely to do so through luck than skill.

Warren Buffett is often cited as the most successful investor of all time through his holding company, Berkshire Hathaway.

1. George Soros. George Soros, often referred to as the «Man Who Broke the Bank of England», is an iconic figure in the world of forex trading. His net worth, estimated at around $8 billion, reflects not only his financial success but also his enduring influence on global markets.