Presidents and the Stock Market

Every four years, the United States elects a president, and like clockwork, the stock market becomes a headline topic. Will the market rise or fall with the new administration? Will policy changes help or hinder investments? For many, these questions spark anxiety—but history offers a clear answer: staying calm is often the best course of action.

The Historical Connection

It’s natural to think the president has a major influence on the stock market, and in some cases, policies can play a role. However, historical data reveals a surprising truth: the market’s long-term performance is less about who sits in the Oval Office and more about broader economic factors like technological innovation, global events, and consumer confidence. While there have been short-term fluctuations—like market dips during crises or corrections—long-term investors have consistently been rewarded for their patience.

Emotional Investing Leads to Missed Opportunities

Reacting emotionally to election results or political predictions often leads to one thing: missed opportunities.

Presidential terms may last four or eight years, but your financial planning horizon should extend decades. Selling investments out of fear or chasing the latest “hot stock” can derail the steady progress you’ve worked so hard to build.

Why You Need a Clear Financial Plan

At Apollon Financial, we focus on helping our clients navigate the noise. We believe in creating tailored strategies that consider your unique goals, not market headlines. Our process includes:

• Diversifying your investments to manage risk.
• Reviewing your financial plan to ensure you’re on track.
• Staying proactive about tax-efficient strategies, regardless of political shifts.

This approach ensures you’re prepared for whatever comes next—not just the next election cycle.

A Calm Perspective Wins

When it comes to your investments, panic is the enemy of progress. The market has weathered wars, recessions, and countless political changes, yet it continues to grow over the long term. Remember, the stock market is a reflection of human ingenuity and resilience, not the daily news cycle.

As your financial partner, I’m here to remind you that staying calm, focused, and disciplined is the best way to reach your goals. If you’re feeling uneasy about how current events could impact your finances, let’s schedule a time to talk. Together, we’ll ensure your strategy is built to withstand uncertainty and take advantage of long-term opportunities.

Let’s keep your eyes on the horizon—not the headlines.

Jim McGowan, CFP? Helping professionals and families achieve financial security through personalized, holistic planning.

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Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with the management of an actual portfolio. Source: S&P data ? 2023 S&P Dow Jones Indices, LLC, a division of S&P Global. All Rights reserved.

Apollon Financial, LLC (“Apollon”) provides advice and makes recommendations based on the specific needs and circumstances of each client.? For clients with managed accounts, Apollon has discretionary authority over investment decisions.? Investing involves risk and clients should carefully consider their own investment objectives and never rely on any single chart, graph, or marketing price to make decisions. The information contained herein is intended for information purposes only, is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security and should not be considered investment advice.? Please contact your financial advisor with questions about your specific needs and circumstances. Please visit our website https://apollonfinancial.com for other important disclosures.