CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

How the Presidential Election Affects the US Economy and Gold

Article By: ,  Financial Analyst

1) The US Economy and The Election: A Broad Look

When it comes to the relationship between the economy and US presidential elections, causality flows both ways. Stated differently, the strength of the economy has a major impact on which party is elected (in the words of Bill Clinton’s successful ’92 campaign against George H. W. Bush, “It’s the economy, stupid”), but the economy also tends to perform better in election years regardless. As Nordea recently found, US GDP has historically risen by 0.3% more in election years than other years since 1948, partially on the back of expanded fiscal policy as incumbent politicians seek to “buy” their way to reelection:

Source: Nordea, Macrobond

While knowledge about long-term tendencies can be useful, it’s also critical to acknowledge that this election, featuring an unconventional president, an unprecedented pandemic, and the resulting global recession, may not follow that historical playbook. Indeed, the elevated unemployment rate, which is unlikely to meaningfully decline by Election Day, is a major factor working against President Trump. Indeed, Forbes found that the incumbent candidate has won every election when the unemployment rate was stable or falling, and lost every election when the unemployment was rising over the last 50 years.

Regardless of how you look at it, the state of the economy will have a major impact on this Autumn’s highly anticipated election.

2) The Election: Will Metals Shine Bright?

Generally speaking, precious metals like gold and silver tend to benefit from low / negative real interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty, characteristics that describe elections generally and this year’s in particular. In that light, it’s not surprising that gold recently hit a record nominal high above $2000, while silver has more than doubled off its March lows.

More broadly, the price action in gold and silver has seen consistent patterns in the months around US elections. Historically, gold has tended to rally in September of election years (perhaps on the back of fiscal stimulus and political uncertainty) before reversing to trade lower through the Presidential inauguration the following January. That said, gold and silver fared well the last time a Republican was up for re-election in 2004, kicking off a bull market that ultimately culminated in gold’s previous record high near $2000. The upshot of this analysis is that traders should avoid becoming too focused on any one scenario and maintain flexibility to adapt to market conditions and trends.

Heading into the 2020 election, both major candidates are promoting major stimulus plans, whether they’re couched in terms of President Trump’s proposed infrastructure and tax cut plans or elements of Biden’s watered-down “Green New Deal.” Against that backdrop, it’s no surprise that hard assets like gold and silver have been seeing a sharp rally, but for the gains to extend beyond the election, traders will need to see evidence that those ambitious plans are likely to be enacted.

3) As people head to the polls, what about your portfolio?

As we noted above, US economic performance will depend heavily on the outcome of November’s election…which will in turn be influenced by the state of the economy itself! Research shows that the more optimistic people are about economic conditions, the more likely they are to turn out to vote. In fact, studies have found that the population’s economic optimism is one of the key factors that determines voter turnout.

With the US economy navigating a deep (though hopefully short!) recession as we go to press, there’s a risk that turnout may be subdued, especially for Republicans discouraged by the current state of affairs. However, there’s still time for the US economy to turn the proverbial corner if the virus can be brought under control, in line with historical election-year trends. One way or another, traders and voters alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of the US economy before and after one of the most highly-anticipated elections in recent memory.

StoneX Financial Ltd (trading as “City Index”) is an execution-only service provider. This material, whether or not it states any opinions, is for general information purposes only and it does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. This material has been prepared using the thoughts and opinions of the author and these may change. However, City Index does not plan to provide further updates to any material once published and it is not under any obligation to keep this material up to date. This material is short term in nature and may only relate to facts and circumstances existing at a specific time or day. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment, legal, tax or other advice and no reliance should be placed on it.

No opinion given in this material constitutes a recommendation by City Index or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. The material has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research. Although City Index is not specifically prevented from dealing before providing this material, City Index does not seek to take advantage of the material prior to its dissemination. This material is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

For further details see our full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFD and Forex Trading are leveraged products and your capital is at risk. They may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved by reading our full risk warning.

City Index is a trading name of StoneX Financial Ltd. Head and Registered Office: 1st Floor, Moor House, 120 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5ET. StoneX Financial Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, number: 05616586. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Register Number: 446717.

City Index is a trademark of StoneX Financial Ltd.

The information on this website is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement.

© City Index 2024