๐บ๐ธ U.S. Presidential Election and Global Conflicts The next U.S. president will face significant global challenges, including ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine. For those in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, expectations are low for immediate solutions from either candidate.
๐ณ Election Security Concerns U.S. officials anticipate increased attempts by foreign adversaries to influence the elections. Business owners in Washington, especially near the White House, are taking precautions, boarding up windows due to concerns over potential unrest.
๐ Intelligence Warnings Three major U.S. intelligence agencies have issued warnings that Russia, and to a lesser extent, Iran, are likely to spread misinformation across social media throughout Election Day and the weeks following. The scale of these influence efforts is expected to be larger than previous cycles.
๐ Market Reactions as Voting Begins U.S. markets saw gains as voters headed to the polls, with economic policy on the line:
Dow: 42,221 (+427 / +1.02%)
S&P 500: 5,782 (+70 / +1.23%)
Nasdaq: 18,439 (+259 / +1.48%)
๐ช๐บ European Markets also ended slightly up on Tuesday as global markets anticipate the U.S. election outcome.
โฝ๏ธ Oil climbed nearly 1% amid expectations for a close election, after a recent 2% rise as OPEC+ delayed production hikes.
Crude Oil: $71.99 (+0.52 / +0.73%)
Brent Crude: $75.53 (+0.46 / +0.6%)
๐ Gold ticked up slightly as investors brace for possible political tensions, with polls showing a tight race.
U.S. Gold Futures: $2,749.70 (+0.1%)