Stock markets abhor uncertainty. Currently, investment prognosticators are interpreting the election results to create a relatively “stagnant” legislative environment. This opinion is based primarily on the Senate remaining in Republican control with the presidency Democratic. The anticipated stagnation connotes a more predictable investment environment. Clearly, the stock market has recently responded overwhelmingly positive (as of 11/10/20), to the reduced potential of increased taxation along with the greater likelihood of additional COVID-19 aid and economic stimulus.
This leaves some investors with an instinctual response to grow their equity exposure. However, the biggest risk investors face at this time is changing their investment course and getting it wrong. It remains important to keep focus on the long-term horizon, which no one can predict with much accuracy. The potential future variables that can impact markets are limitless. The impact of the pandemic and potential ensuing lockdowns is clearly one significant unknown.
What is a prudent investor to do? Assuming you are appropriately diversified, remaining so may be your best response.
Those initiating portfolio changes now based on campaign rhetoric should consider that the proposed policy changes may not materialize in current proposed form. If some do, it is difficult to assess which policies may be implemented and how they may affect the markets both US and internationally.
Long-term investing success is a function of innovation, economic growth, interest rates, productivity, and factors we may not currently foresee. Maintaining an appropriately diversified, low cost investment strategy which is properly funded, may not be exciting or pacifying today, but it most likely will provide financial success in the long term.
ACR# 3330000 11/20