Investors are aware of the impact the Presidential election will have upon markets and exchange traded funds. With voters set to hit the polls in about two months, many are strategically placing capital in sectors that will be affected by who ends up sitting in the White House.
“The S&P 500 Index rose on average 12.1% with a Democrat in the White House, as compared to 5.1% with a Republican occupant. Further, since 1949, U.S. real GDP increased a median 4.2% per year under a Democrat vs. 2.6% under a Republican. However, there are many more sectors and industries that S&P Capital IQ equity analysts think will benefit more if Governor Romney wins the election over President Obama,” Sam Stovall wrote in a recent S&P Capital note.
Health care stocks and ETFs such as the Health Care Select Sector SPDR (NYSEArca: XLV) are an obvious sector that could benefit should President Obama get re-elected. S&P Capital rates XLV “Overweight” and the fund has gained 16.2% year-to-date.
“Health care is likely the most obvious sector that would benefit from President Obama holding on, as health care reform would proceed unabated,” S&P Capital IQ said in the note.
The telecom sector is also expected to benefit from a Democratic take over. The Vanguard Telecom Services ETF (NYSEArca: VOX) is up 21.5% year-to-date and is rated “Marketweight” by S&P Capital. Obama supports broadband expansion, and the Federal Communications Commission’s chairman has been a proponent of moving wireless spectrum from television broadcasters to telecom carriers. [Why Telecom ETFS are Beating the S&P]