How to Track Congressional Stock Trades in 2026
Members of the US Congress are required to disclose their stock trades under the STOCK Act. Currently, The Insiders Lab tracks 57,298 trades across 377 members and 3670 tickers.
Why Track Congressional Stock Trades?
Congress members have access to non-public policy information, committee briefings, and lobbyist meetings. Academic research has shown their portfolios often outperform the market. By tracking their disclosures, retail investors gain access to the same information — just with a delay.
Step 1: Understand the STOCK Act
The STOCK Act requires members of both the House and Senate to file Periodic Transaction Reports (PTRs) within 45 days of executing a trade. These filings are public record.
Step 2: Find the Right Tools
Manually parsing PTR filings is impractical. The Insiders Lab automates this by scanning official databases, normalizing trade data, and delivering structured alerts. See our plans →
Step 3: Set Up Alerts
Use Congress Trading Alerts to get notified when specific members trade or when activity spikes in a particular ticker.
Step 4: Research Before Acting
Congressional trades are one data point, not a trading signal. Always combine with fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and your own risk management. Use our What-If Dashboard for scenario planning.
Step 5: Track Performance
Monitor member track records over time. Some Congress members consistently trade well, while others don't. Our member directory shows trading history and performance metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it legal to trade based on congressional disclosures?
A: Yes. STOCK Act filings are public records. Using publicly available information for investment decisions is legal. We provide data for informational purposes only.
Q: How quickly can I see new trades?
A: The Insiders Lab scans official databases frequently. New PTRs appear on our platform shortly after they're filed. Set up alerts →
Q: Should I blindly copy congressional trades?
A: No. Congressional trading data is one input among many. Always do your own research, consider the 45-day filing delay, and manage your risk appropriately.
All data sourced from official US government STOCK Act filings. Not financial advice. Terms | NFA Disclaimer