A new Gallup survey, cited by the Wall Street Journal on 16 June 2025, shows a pronounced partisan divide in expectations for the U.S. stock market. Data collected since 2002 indicate Republicans are now markedly more confident than Democrats that equities will rise over the next six months, widening a gap that has persisted through multiple election cycles. Market strategists warn that allowing political sentiment to drive investment decisions can reduce returns. Investors who exited positions during the sharp sell-off that followed the U.S. imposition of a 145% tariff on Chinese goods on 9 April missed a swift recovery that has pushed the S&P 500 back toward record levels. The episode underscores the risk of basing portfolio moves on partisan or macro-policy fears rather than market fundamentals.