US dollar, stocks and Bitcoin surge as Trump claims election victory

Investors bought US dollars, Bitcoin and stocks, and sold bonds as Donald Trump was elected the 47th US president on Nov 6, and Republicans took control of at least one chamber of Congress.

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US stock futures hit record highs, the dollar surged, and Treasury yields jumped, while Bitcoin broke US$75,000 for the first time.

Trump's agenda of tax cuts and deregulation could give corporate America a tangible boost, though steep tariffs and a potential global trade war under his presidency could cause more uncertainty and a resurgence of inflation, boosting the dollar.

"Not only are markets positioning themselves for a comfortable Trump victory in the Electoral College, but the prospect of a Republican-controlled Congress," said Mr Matthew Ryan, head of market strategy at Ebury.

That could provide a headache for Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell as he continues his battle to bring inflation to heel, with Trump's plans considered inflationary.

The election comes as the US central bank prepares to deliver its latest policy decision on Nov 7 amid expectations it will cut interest rates by 25 basis points, having lowered them by 50 points in September.

Trump's victory will affect assets globally and determine the strength of the dollar, and a host of industries that make up the backbone of corporate America.