Whether the upcoming presidential election is a battle for the soul of the nation or the way to keep America great is a question we will leave to you to answer. But the election will have important ramifications for your financial wellbeing, and we’re all over that agenda. How will each of the candidates help steer the economy? What might your tax bill be? Is your portfolio headed for gains or losses?
For those questions, the person living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for the next four years matters.
At the start of the year, a sound economy, rock-bottom unemployment rates and a roaring bull market made it Donald Trump’s election to lose. Then came the coronavirus pandemic, exacting a vast and tragic human toll, putting a dramatic end to the longest economic expansion and bull market on record, and robbing tens of millions of Americans of their livelihood.
It remains to be seen whether voters will renew President Trump’s lease on the White House in November, but former Vice President Joe Biden became a more formidable contender over the summer, if you believe the polls and the betting markets. In early July, policy analysts at investment firm Raymond James gave Biden a 55% chance of winning the presidency.
But it bears repeating that the circumstances surrounding the 2020 election are unique, and for insights into who will ultimately claim victory, you might be better off asking an epidemiologist than a political consultant. Each of the presidential candidates faces “significant challenges,” according to analysts at Wells Fargo Investment Institute. “Voter perception of how President Trump manages the pandemic and economic reopening is key to his reelection bid.”
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TIPS FOR FINANCING A HOME PROJECT
I recently had a call with a client who was looking to fund the construction of a swimming pool at his house.
MORE WOMEN THAN EVER ARE STARTING BUSINESSES
Retail and travel businesses, along with health, beauty and fitness, are popular with women entrepreneurs.
Finding Home Health Care
It’s important to hire a caregiver you trust.
UNDERSTANDING BOND FUND YIELDS
What's a 30-day SEC yield? A trailing 12-month yield? A yield to maturity? We explain what each measure says about an income fund.
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ON STUDENT LOANS
If you have federal student loans, you may benefit from new government policies. Here's what you need to know.
SHEDDING POUNDS, DELIVERING GAINS
New weight-loss drugs show promise for investors.
My Top 30 Index: An Update
A year ago, I put together what I called \"my own reinvention\" of the Dow Jones industrial average, the popular 142-year-old large-cap index. I called it simply Top 30-\"not a drastic change in the Dow but an updating.\"
Balance Your Risk and Reward
These new ETFs let you cut stock market losses. But you'll sacrifice some gains.
IS A HYBRID CAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Hybrids offer a fuel-saving option for drivers who have reservations about all-electric vehicles. But there are trade-offs.
DEALS deals DEALS
WHO doesn't love a bargain? We've rounded up great values in investing, shopping, tech and travel-and found ways to cut down on ever-growing grocery and restaurant bills.