Is gridlock in Washington actually good for stocks? Here’s what historical market data says.
Why now
Thesis: Gridlock offers no proven equity boost
Catalyst to watch: Election outcomes and policy gridlock
Main risk: Historical patterns may not repeat
Why it matters
Historical data challenges the gridlock-is-good narrative, questioning a common positioning assumption.
Details
Contrary to widespread belief, the stock market hasn’t performed better during periods of inter-party gridlock in Washington
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- marketwatch · 2026-09-23 21:44 UTC