As a student of politics, I follow election news with a sharp eye.
But as a student of investing, I take a different approach because midterm elections point to potential market changes over the next two years.
Republicans and Democrats are in tight races across the country that will change the makeup of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
Right now, Democrats hold Congress.
But pundits expect that to change after next Tuesday.
If Republicans seize control of the House, Senate or both, the gridlock that will follow won’t be great news for legislation — but will be for investors.
Previous market trends surrounding midterm elections can gauge how the market will look.
Let’s see how.
Midterm Elections Face A Market Unlike Before
Stock market behavior in 2022 is different from what we have seen during previous midterm elections.
This chart from Charles Schwab shows us how:
Source: Charles Schwab.
In previous years, the market was up 2% to 3% leading up to and after Election Day.
But the S&P 500 is down around 15% since the start of the year.
This divergence could mean one of two things:
- History holds, and stocks will rip higher following the midterm elections.
- Because stocks have lagged so far, the midterm elections will have little to no impact on stock performance in the near term.
Another factor to examine is stock performance related to the balance of power.
Congressional Makeup and Stocks
As I write, FiveThirtyEight gives Democrats a 52% chance of maintaining control of the Senate.
Republicans have 81% odds of winning back the House.
No matter your political leanings, this is fantastic news for investors.
Historically, the market performs better in congressional gridlock:
This chart breaks down the market performance based on the parties’ control of Congress and the White House.
The market has gained an average of 13.7% when Republicans control the House and the presidency.
Under the most probable scenario of this midterm election (Democrats control the Senate and the White House), stocks have jumped 13.6% annually.
Another possible outcome of this year’s midterms would see Republicans control Congress while Democrats hold the White House.
In that scenario, stocks have gained 13%.
Markets perform better in gridlock because it forces political parties to compromise.
This could curb more unnecessary legislation.
Possible Outcome Spells Rally for Stocks
Because of inflation and recessionary fears, the market has been in a downward trend in 2022.
In times leading up to midterm elections, this isn’t uncommon.
Market volatility has been the norm in the months leading up to midterm elections:
Source: JPMorgan Private Bank.
JPMorgan Private Bank’s chart above shows that markets will rally no matter the outcome next Tuesday if history repeats.
Since 1950, the S&P 500 has increased as political uncertainty drops after the election.
This includes the high-inflation period of 1970 to 1982 amid the oil crisis.
Bottom line: The 2022 midterm elections are critical.
Politics aside, the potential for congressional gridlock — parties sharing power — looks like a sure thing.
This doesn’t take into account the future actions of the Federal Reserve or broader inflationary pressures.
Election trends tell us this outcome will provide a shot in the arm for the market.
Which is just what investors are looking for.
Safe trading,
Matt Clark, CMSA®
Research Analyst, Money & Markets
Matt Clark is the research analyst for Money & Markets. He is a certified Capital Markets & Securities Analyst with the Corporate Finance Institute and a contributor to Seeking Alpha. Before joining Money & Markets, he was a journalist/editor for 25 years, covering college sports, business and politics.