Next week marks the conclusion of one of the most hotly contested elections in history, leaving many investors scrambling to prepare for potential market turbulence and policy shifts. Despite short-term volatility, historical trends reveal that equities have consistently posted strong gains by the end of a presidential term, underscoring the benefits of maintaining a long-term investment perspective. The drivers of market performance—economic growth, corporate earnings, and innovation—ultimately outshine the impact of political changes.

The stock market and presidencies
S&P 500 price returns on a log scale, 1933–2023

S&P 500 price returns on a log scale, 1933–2023
Source: Clearnomics, Principal Asset Management. Data as of December 31, 2023.

With both U.S. presidential candidates at a dead heat heading into next week's election, markets are bracing for a result that could lead to a wide range of policy outcomes depending on who takes the White House and how Congress is configured. Yet, it is notable that, since 1933, equities have almost always risen by double-digits by the end of a president's term, regardless of their party affiliation.

As well as tied opinion polls, markets are also contending with uncertainty around the timing of when the race may be called, and the potential for a disputed result. But while these factors may bring a spike in short-term volatility, they are often quickly eclipsed by the long-term gains created by business cycles.

It is worth remembering that, although markets dropped in the immediate aftermath of the 2016 election and struggled to find direction in the days of uncertainty following the 2020 election, on both occasions markets then delivered four years of solid gains. Ultimately, the historically above average returns since 2008 are likely more attributable to underlying economic trends and structural advantages of the U.S. economy than to the administrations of Obama, Trump, or Biden.

Investors should take caution. Those who allow their political opinions to cloud their investing decisions could miss out on the potential rewards that come with staying invested in the market over the long-term.

Click here for more unique insights and expert perspectives on the 2024 U.S. election.

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Disclosure

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and should not be relied upon to make an investment decision. Equity investments involve greater risk, including higher volatility, than fixed-income investments.

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