Congressional stock trading, explained
Updated 2026-07-10 · For information only, not financial advice.
What is congressional stock trading?
Congressional stock trading is the buying and selling of stocks, options and other securities by members of the U.S. Congress and their spouses. Because lawmakers can see legislation, hearings and briefings before the public does, their trades are watched closely for signs of an information edge.
Is it legal for members of Congress to trade stocks?
Yes. Trading is legal, but trading on material non-public information is not. Under the STOCK Act of 2012 (Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act), lawmakers are explicitly barred from using non-public information for private profit and must publicly disclose most transactions.
How do STOCK Act disclosures work?
Members must file a Periodic Transaction Report (PTR) for any covered securities transaction over about $1,000, generally within 30–45 days of the trade. Those filings are public — which is how trackers, journalists and services surface "what Congress is buying". The catch is the lag: a disclosure can arrive weeks after the trade.
How do you track politician trades in real time?
Two signals matter: the official disclosures (delayed) and what politicians say publicly (instant). Trade The Post reads both. The moment a tracked politician posts something market-moving — or a disclosure lands — our AI turns it into a plain-English trade signal with the exact ticker, direction and expected move. Browse the politician trackers to follow the lawmakers you care about.
Frequently asked questions
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Where can I see Congress stock trades?
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