By Bill Hornbarger, Chief Investment Officer
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Three Things to Watch
- Early in the week, the U.S. presidential election will be front and center. The polls remain relatively close with followers of either party finding polls that support their favored outcome, and the prediction platforms have been volatile heading down the final stretch.
- After Tuesday, the focus will quickly turn to global monetary policy. The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (Fed) meets this week and will announce its decision on Thursday. Futures are currently pricing the odds of a quarter-point cut in the federal funds rate at 97%. According to Bloomberg, central banks for a third of the global economy will set borrowing costs in the wake of the U.S. vote, including the Bank of England, Brazil and Australia. Since the Fed cut rates 50 basis points in September, the labor market has deteriorated while inflation continues to decline, albeit at a slowing rate of change.
- Earnings season continues with high reports from Palantir Technologies, Yum! Brands, Qualcomm, DuPont and CVS Health.
Three Things to Know
- The United States is ranked 139th out of 172 countries in voter participation. (Source: “Selecting a President,” Eleanor Clift and Matthew Spieler [St. Martin’s Press, 2012].))
- In 1845, Congress decided that voting day would be the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, which was after the fall harvest and before winter conditions made travel too difficult. (Source: FactRetriever)
- George Washington blew his entire campaign budget on 160 gallons of liquor to serve to potential voters. He is the only U.S. president in history to win 100% of the Electoral College vote. This is mainly because organized parties weren’t yet formed, and he ran unopposed. (Source: FactRetriever)
The above information reflects the current opinion of the author. It is based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward-looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security mentioned.