Politics

BOB RUBIN: What The Markets Are Telling Us About The Election

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With the U.S. stock markets and markets around the world in free fall yesterday, it is a good time to walk conservatives in America through how a Vice President Kamala Harris or a former President Donald Trump presidency would affect your wallet and checkbook.

Today we see the markets rebounding a little bit, but this market volatility is not good for U.S. industries and retail investors.

As the U.S. political landscape shifts, investors are keenly observing the potential economic impacts of a Harris presidency versus Trump’s return. Both scenarios offer distinct paths for key industries, retail investors and the broader economy. Let’s jump in and analyze both scenarios.

Consider first the economic impact of Harris becoming president. She is known for her advocacy of stronger regulatory measures, particularly in healthcare, technology and finance. While these regulations aim to protect consumers and ensure fair competition, they could also lead to increased compliance costs while impacting profitability, especially for tech and financial firms. The potential for more stringent oversight could reshape industry practices and innovation.

Harris has also expressed support for a balanced energy policy, combining renewable energy initiatives with the continued use of fossil fuels like natural gas. Recently, she has stated she would not ban fracking, reflecting a politically pragmatic approach to maintaining energy sector jobs while advancing environmental goals. This dual strategy hopes to support a transition to cleaner energy without disrupting the existing energy infrastructure.

Now consider the economic policies and market reactions that could come with Trump’s potential return. His economic agenda focuses on deregulation and revitalizing American manufacturing and energy production. He advocates reducing regulations on the oil and gas industries and expanding domestic energy projects, including offshore drilling. This approach is expected to benefit traditional energy sectors, manufacturing and the auto industry, potentially lowering operational costs and boosting economic growth.

In a significant shift, Trump has endorsed cryptocurrency, including accepting Bitcoin donations for his campaign. His support for digital assets represents an interesting generational play, particularly targeting younger demographics not typically aligned with his voter base. This endorsement suggests policies that could foster regulatory support and infrastructure development for cryptocurrencies, positioning the U.S. as a leader in the digital economy. His interest in crypto, alongside a surprise endorsement for eliminating taxes on restaurant workers’ tips, highlights a unique focus on boosting disposable income for younger, often overlooked worker groups.

Then there is the potential impact on the tech industry with J.D. Vance serving as Trump’s vice president. Vance’s deep connections to the tech world could significantly influence the administration’s approach to technology policy. His background — bolstered by support from Peter Thiel and other tech industry figures — suggests a potential for more nuanced technology policies under a Trump-Vance administration. This could include favorable conditions for tech companies, possibly balancing deregulation with strategic oversight to foster innovation while addressing concerns about data privacy and market competition. Additionally, Vance’s Silicon Valley connections might encourage more robust engagement with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and blockchain, aligning with Trump’s broader pro-business and deregulation stance.

The potential presidencies of Harris and Trump present contrasting economic visions. Harris’ policies may lead to increased regulation and a focus on renewable energy, potentially challenging traditional sectors but supporting environmental sustainability. In contrast, Trump’s approach likely favors deregulation, traditional energy sectors and an expansion of the cryptocurrency market.

If Harris wins, the market may experience increased regulation, potentially cooling growth in some sectors while supporting green technologies and healthcare reforms.

If Trump wins, we might see a continuation of pro-business policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, likely stimulating sectors like consumer cyclicals, energy and technology, alongside a potential boost from the burgeoning cryptocurrency market.

Investors should weigh these potential outcomes and diversify their portfolios to navigate the uncertainties of the upcoming election. Staying informed about policy developments will be crucial for making strategic investment decisions.

As we approach this momentous election in November, I anticipate that all Americans will be asking themselves this question: “Am I better off financially today than I was 4 years ago?” We all know the answer to that question is that we are not.

Bob Rubin is the Founder and President of Rubin Wealth Management. Learn more at www.rubinwa.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.