When an Elephant Meets a Bear: How Stock Markets Shape Americans' Political Attitudes

How does the daily movement of the stock market shape the political fortunes of presidents — especially in an era of tariffs, financial uncertainty, and 24/7 news cycles? Join us for a timely and provocative discussion with Dr. Ian G. Anson (UMBC), author of Following the Ticker: The Political Origins and Consequences of Stock Market Perceptions (SUNY Press 2023).  Building on classic political science insights like Fiorina’s theory of retrospective voting, Dr. Anson explores how the stock market — once just one of many economic indicators — has taken center stage in how Americans judge the performance of their leaders.

President Trump’s 11th-hour trade policy reversals have roiled the markets and Americans’ worries in recent weeks. Do these events reinforce the idea that politicians are politically accountable to the stock market?  How do partisans spin these developments to justify their support for (and opposition to) political figures? Join the Center for Social Science Scholarship (CS3) at UMBC for this virtual talk.

Please register in advance.  Five registered attendees will be entered into a drawing to receive a copy of Dr. Anson's book.