Key Takeaways

Increased constraints on President Trump, but not a policy reversal: Congress will have greater oversight of foreign policy, funding and appointments, while President Trump retains significant executive authority. This points to more political gridlock, which may constrain policy activism but not fully restore discipline.

At the macro level, less fiscal stimulus and greater regulatory scrutiny: increased congressional oversight should limit the scope for further fiscal stimulus. However, this is unlikely to deliver meaningful deficit reduction. Markets would distinguish reduced legislative uncertainty from a genuine improvement in the fiscal trajectory. Greater regulatory scrutiny, particularly of AI and Big Tech, could also slow investment in selected areas, even though more careful consideration of capex and regulatory oversight on AI security may now be welcome.

Iran and AI are the two key policy fault lines. Congress may push to reduce funding for the Iran war and challenge tariffs, potentially easing pressure on oil prices and inflation. At the same time, greater scrutiny of AI, Big Tech and data-centre development could weigh on technology investment and valuations.

The market reaction points to relief and rotation. The market reaction reflects lower political uncertainty, with bonds benefitting, the dollar weakening and equity leadership broadening beyond US technology. AI, data centres and defence face greater policy risk, but the underlying investment themes remain intact.

Investment implications: not a game changer, seek broader diversification in equities. The result is mildly positive for global fixed income, as it could lead to lower inflationary pressure. In US bonds, we continue to favour intermediate maturities. In equities, the election result favours diversification into non-US equities and non-tech sectors.

Read more