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Why Trump is ringing stock market opening bells
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump symbolically rang the opening bells for the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq from the Oval Office, highlighting his focus on the stock market amid declining popularity due to high inflation.
- Trump is promoting "Trump Accounts," investment vehicles for children tied to the 2025 Republican tax and spending cuts bill, aiming to increase stock market participation among Americans who currently lack direct exposure.
- Despite strong stock market gains in recent years, including a 17.9% increase in the S&P 500 in 2025, only 62% of American adults own stocks, limiting the broad economic impact of market growth.
- Trump’s approval rating for economic leadership remains low at 33%, as inflation and geopolitical tensions, such as tariffs and the Iran war, have dampened public support despite his promises to reduce costs.
- The emphasis on stock market performance may have limited political benefit for Trump and the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections, given that many Americans do not directly benefit from market gains.
