Event Overview

Impact Level Extreme
📈 Markets Affected 5
🎯 Trading Strategies 4
🏦 Recommended Brokers 3
The US Presidential Election is arguably the most significant political event for global financial markets. The outcome influences fiscal policy, trade relations, regulatory environments, and market sentiment worldwide.

Why US Elections Move Markets

The United States has:

  • The world's largest economy (~$28 trillion GDP)
  • The global reserve currency (USD)
  • The largest stock market by capitalization
  • Significant influence on global trade policy
  • Presidential elections create uncertainty, and markets hate uncertainty. This leads to increased volatility before, during, and after elections.

    Historical Market Performance

    #

    Election Year Patterns:

  • Markets tend to be flat or slightly negative in the first half
  • Volatility increases as election approaches
  • Sharp moves occur on election night
  • Strong rallies often follow regardless of winner
  • #

    By Party Win:

    Both Republican and Democratic victories have historically led to positive post-election returns. Markets respond more to certainty than to specific policies.

    Key Sectors to Watch

    #

    Republican Win Scenario:

  • Energy (oil & gas): Often positive on deregulation
  • Financials: Benefit from lighter regulation
  • Defense: Increased spending expectations
  • Healthcare: Mixed on policy approach
  • #

    Democratic Win Scenario:

  • Clean energy: Renewable energy investments
  • Healthcare: Varies by specific policies
  • Infrastructure: Increased spending
  • Technology: Complex regulatory outlook
  • 2028 Election Context

    Key factors for 2028:

  • Economic conditions leading up to the election
  • Incumbent vs challenger dynamics
  • Key policy debates (taxation, trade, crypto regulation)
  • International relations and trade policy
  • Trading the Election

    The highest volatility occurs: 1. During primaries and party conventions 2. After major debates 3. Election week 4. First 100 days of new administration

    Historical Impact

    S&P 500 has risen in 19 of 24 election years since 1928

    Affected Instruments

    USD pairsS&P 500NASDAQTreasury YieldsGold

    Trading Strategies

    Volatility Play

    High Risk

    Trade VIX options or volatility ETFs as election uncertainty spikes, typically peaking in October.

    Timeframe: September-November 2028
    Instruments:
    VIXUVXYVXX

    Sector Rotation

    Medium Risk

    Position in sectors likely to benefit from the leading candidate's policies as polls stabilize.

    Timeframe: August-November 2028
    Instruments:
    Sector ETFsIndividual stocks

    USD Positioning

    Medium Risk

    Trade major USD pairs based on expected fiscal and trade policy changes.

    Timeframe: Election week
    Instruments:
    EUR/USDUSD/JPYGBP/USD

    Post-Election Rally

    Medium Risk

    Go long US indices after the election result is clear, regardless of winner, to capture the relief rally.

    Timeframe: November-December 2028
    Instruments:
    SPYQQQIWM

    Key Dates to Watch

    Early 2028 Primary season begins Medium
    July-August 2028 Party conventions Medium
    September-October 2028 Presidential debates High
    November 3, 2028 Election Day High
    January 20, 2029 Inauguration Day Medium

    Risk Factors

    ⚠️ Contested election results could prolong uncertainty
    ⚠️ Pre-election polling may not reflect actual outcomes
    ⚠️ Global events could overshadow election impact
    ⚠️ Policy implementation differs from campaign promises
    ⚠️ Congressional composition affects policy execution