Warren Buffett on Inflation, Politics & Investing

Warren Buffett once said, "If you mix your politics with your investment decisions, you're making a big mistake.”

There appears to be some truth in Buffett’s quote following a contentious 2024 election cycle. 

Check out the chart below from the University of Michigan, which looks at consumer sentiment. 

Consumer sentiment measures how individuals view their overall financial situation, today's economic outlook, and the prospects for the economy over the long term. As you can see, the outlook diverges when people are asked to self-report their political affiliation.

So, today’s email is a cautionary tale.

It’s a reminder that when it comes to investing, being too optimistic or too pessimistic can lead to hasty decision-making. A more balanced outlook is often best.

If you struggle to strike a balance these days, please let me know. We can talk through your outlook and revisit our overall strategy that’s based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. 

^{UMich.edu, January 2025, "Index of Consumer Sentiment and Components by political party"}