Invest
5 ways the election could impact your US investments
With the Biden v Trump election just around the corner, investors in the US market need to watch out for a host of possible scenarios in the event of a changing government, an industry expert has flagged.
5 ways the election could impact your US investments
With the Biden v Trump election just around the corner, investors in the US market need to watch out for a host of possible scenarios in the event of a changing government, an industry expert has flagged.

First Sentiers’ head of investments North America, John Ma, and senior portfolio manager Jason Epstein share the themes investors should look out for following the election.
1. A ‘blue wave’ win could spark a progressive policy push.
Investors could see a so-called “blue wave” win in the November election – where Biden becomes president and the Democrats win the majority in the Senate which could see progressive policies pushed through.
“Some of the policy areas already flagged in Biden’s campaign include tax rates, healthcare, infrastructure spending, climate change policy, education and housing,” Mr Epstein said.

2. Stimulus funds will flow freely – regardless of the winner.
Regardless of the winner, investors in the United States should expect a large-scale stimulus package to hit the economy.
Mr Epstein said, “There will be a tremendous level of fiscal and monetary stimulus, combined with the prospect of a new stimulus bill and the idea of a Fed ‘put’ for the foreseeable future.
“The real question is how sustainable that approach is. Will it continue to underpin markets, or is there a breaking point?
“There are also questions about how it will impact the US dollar, and if the US dollar will retain its place as the leading reserve currency.”
3. China relations remain under pressure.
The fund managers predicted that regardless of who wins the election, both sides will have a tough stance on China, which could impact sharemarkets.
“A tense relationship with China is likely to be the new normal, regardless of who’s president. Biden is looking to make the US competitive with China and to bring jobs back to US in areas such as automotive manufacturing. The goal is to have strong domestic production capabilities that reduce their reliance on China,” Mr Epstein said.
4. Infrastructure will remain a local affair.
Mr Ma said it’s important to recognise that the infrastructure market is predominantly under state and municipal control, rather than federal.
“The White House has less direct ability to influence outcomes in the infrastructure sector. While funding can be allocated to the states at a national level, it’s the states and cities who mostly choose how to deploy the funding. As such, the election is unlikely to have a big impact on specific infrastructure projects.”
It is possible, however, that governments prioritise short-term job creation.
“In the wake of the 2008 recession, Federal stimulus funds were focused on ‘shovel-ready’ projects that would create jobs immediately. It was a missed opportunity for bigger, more ambitious projects. Hopefully, we don’t see the same phenomenon play out this time,” Mr Ma said.
5. Democrats would give renewables a boost.
One area of clear differentiation between Biden and Trump is the Democrats’ emphasis on renewable energy.
“The more progressive elements of the party put forward concepts like the Green New Deal during the primaries season, and this has informed Biden’s policies.
“It’s likely Biden would be a net positive for the renewable energy sector, which is already experiencing strong tailwinds. While power generation is controlled locally and regionally, a Democrat administration is likely to put an emphasis on clean energy through levers like tax credits,” Mr Ma said.
About the author

About the author


Economy
Economist calls for July RBA rate cut following inflation data
An economist from State Street Global Advisors has called for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in July following today's Consumer Price Index data for June. Read more

Economy
GDP data prompts economist to predict faster RBA rate cuts
Australia's latest GDP growth data has come in significantly below expectations, prompting an economist to suggest the Reserve Bank may need to ease monetary policy more aggressively. Read more

Economy
Global markets face turbulent start amid tariff concerns, but outlook remains cautious
Global equity and bond markets have experienced a turbulent start to 2025, primarily due to concerns that a potential tariff-driven trade war could heighten inflation and recession risks. Read more

Economy
RBA may cut rates faster if GDP data disappoints, economists say
The Reserve Bank of Australia may cut interest rates more quickly if next week's GDP data disappoints, economists said following today's consumer price index data for May. Read more

Economy
RBA delivers widely expected rate cut as inflation optimism balances global uncertainty
The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate by 25 basis points, delivering on widespread market expectations while signalling a clearer directional shift towards less restrictive monetary ...Read more

Economy
Economist warns strong jobs data may delay further RBA rate cuts
Strong employment growth in April has put expectations for multiple interest rate cuts at risk, though upcoming economic data may clarify the need for lower rates, according to State Street Global ...Read more

Economy
Australian inflation continues downward trend, nearing RBA target
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.7 per cent in the year to August, down from 3.5 per cent in July and 3.8 per cent in June. Read more

Economy
UK markets poised for gains after election, global geopolitical risks remain
Chris Iggo, Chief Investment Officer at AXA Investment Managers, has provided an optimistic outlook for UK markets following the recent general election, while cautioning about ongoing global ...Read more

Economy
Economist calls for July RBA rate cut following inflation data
An economist from State Street Global Advisors has called for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in July following today's Consumer Price Index data for June. Read more

Economy
GDP data prompts economist to predict faster RBA rate cuts
Australia's latest GDP growth data has come in significantly below expectations, prompting an economist to suggest the Reserve Bank may need to ease monetary policy more aggressively. Read more

Economy
Global markets face turbulent start amid tariff concerns, but outlook remains cautious
Global equity and bond markets have experienced a turbulent start to 2025, primarily due to concerns that a potential tariff-driven trade war could heighten inflation and recession risks. Read more

Economy
RBA may cut rates faster if GDP data disappoints, economists say
The Reserve Bank of Australia may cut interest rates more quickly if next week's GDP data disappoints, economists said following today's consumer price index data for May. Read more

Economy
RBA delivers widely expected rate cut as inflation optimism balances global uncertainty
The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate by 25 basis points, delivering on widespread market expectations while signalling a clearer directional shift towards less restrictive monetary ...Read more

Economy
Economist warns strong jobs data may delay further RBA rate cuts
Strong employment growth in April has put expectations for multiple interest rate cuts at risk, though upcoming economic data may clarify the need for lower rates, according to State Street Global ...Read more

Economy
Australian inflation continues downward trend, nearing RBA target
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.7 per cent in the year to August, down from 3.5 per cent in July and 3.8 per cent in June. Read more

Economy
UK markets poised for gains after election, global geopolitical risks remain
Chris Iggo, Chief Investment Officer at AXA Investment Managers, has provided an optimistic outlook for UK markets following the recent general election, while cautioning about ongoing global ...Read more