Hello Stock Traders,
The debate over whether Congress should step away from the trading floor persists, with the proposed ban still making its way through the legislative channels. Regardless of your stance on this ongoing tug-of-war, there’s no denying the fascination surrounding the investments of our elected officials. And at the center of this financial intrigue? None other than former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
With her husband Paul, a seasoned financier himself, their joint portfolio holds the allure of a curated exhibit for financial observers. Let’s take a peek behind the velvet ropes and examine their eight most recent stock picks.
Nvidia (NVDA): This graphics and video processing chip champion tops the list. In November 2023, Pelosi placed a bet on its continued reign as the S&P 500’s 2023 champion with some call options. Early signs are promising, with a 9% climb since her investment.
Apple (AAPL): The Cupertino fruit never needs an introduction. Pelosi, it seems, is an iPhone devotee, snapping up call options and shares throughout 2022 and 2023. While some options didn’t blossom as hoped, she’s steadily increased her stake, demonstrating unwavering faith in the tech giant’s enduring appeal.
Microsoft (MSFT): Another tech heavyweight graces Pelosi’s portfolio. Her May 2022 Microsoft call option purchase proved a shrewd maneuver, with the stock soaring nearly 45% since then. Perhaps she saw the potential of its AI ventures, like the OpenAI partnership, to propel the company forward.
Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL): The Google and YouTube empire finds its place amidst Pelosi’s picks. While a 2021 call option exercise saw her acquire 20,000 Class C shares at a discount, she later trimmed her holdings with a Class A share sale. It’s a move worth watching, to see if her faith in the online advertising giant remains unshaken.
Tesla (TSLA): The electric vehicle frontrunner, Tesla, made a brief appearance in Pelosi’s portfolio through 2022 call options. However, her December 2022 sale suggests a change of heart, leaving one to wonder if the recent market turbulence in the EV sector swayed her.
AllianceBernstein Holding LP (AB): This investment management firm saw Pelosi as a frequent visitor in 2020 and 2021, with several sizable purchases. Unfortunately, AB hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, underperforming the S&P 500 and leaving Pelosi with a loss on her December 2022 sale.
Walt Disney Co. (DIS): The world of Mickey Mouse and streaming giants like Disney+ also captivated Pelosi’s attention. Though a 2021 call option purchase ended up worthless, she acquired shares through option exercises in 2022. However, a subsequent sale at a loss paints a picture of mixed emotions regarding the entertainment giant’s future.
PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL): The digital payments platform, PayPal, found a home in Pelosi’s portfolio early in 2022. But just like some of her other holdings, PYPL hasn’t been a smooth ride. A significant loss on a December 2022 sale highlights the challenges facing the company and raises questions about Pelosi’s long-term commitment.
While it’s tempting to interpret these investment choices as crystal balls for future market trends, it’s important to remember that even for seasoned players like the Pelosis, the financial world can be a maze. Diversification, strategic option plays, and even the occasional misstep are all part of the game.
So, instead of blindly following their footsteps, use their portfolio as a conversation starter, a springboard for your own research, and, ultimately, your own informed investment decisions. Remember, the ultimate financial navigator? It’s you, and you alone.
–James
Up next: Forget the market’s usual gyrations, 2024 promises a slower, steadier investor waltz, with healthcare leading and tech taking a breather.