Unified government at a crossroads
Midterm elections often see lower turnout but can still drive major political change. The 2026 midterm comes at a tense moment, with polarization, narrow majorities, and economic and geopolitical uncertainty shaping the stakes. Fiscal and trade policies are shifting, with potential volatility from debt ceiling debates and the prospect of a divided government. Despite this uncertainty, market performance will continue to depend mainly on fundamentals like earnings, monetary policy, and growth.