ONLNETF

Historical data suggests the S&P 500 typically rallies after midterm elections, with an average 14.4% gain in the following year. Strong Q3 earnings growth of 24.6% year-over-year and robust holiday retail sales projections of 4.5% growth provide additional support for equities. Market performance may depend more on corporate fundamentals than election outcomes, though political uncertainty and bond yields remain risks.

U.S. holiday retail sales are projected to reach a record $1 trillion-plus with 4.5% year-over-year growth, driven primarily by e-commerce (9% growth) and AI-powered shopping tools. While consumer spending remains resilient due to healthy employment and wage gains, inflation accounts for over half the sales increase. Travel spending is expected to decline per traveler despite steady interest.