Midterm election countdown! U.S. consumer confidence hits rock bottom—will voters take it out on their wallets first?

With the U.S. midterm elections on November 3 drawing closer, Washington is busy fighting for votes, while ordinary families are busy calculating their bills. The University of Michigan’s October Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 48.0, its second-lowest reading on record; inflation expectations for the next year rose to 4.7%. This suggests voters may care less about how polished politicians sound than how much it hurts at the supermarket checkout.
Economic sentiment and political choices are often closely linked. With gasoline, food, and mortgages costing more, while wage growth may not keep up with the cost of living, consumers can easily take their dissatisfaction into the voting booth. After all, campaign slogans can be rousing, but a credit card bill can instantly bring people back to their senses.
But don’t rush to conclude that either party has a sure win. Election results also depend on candidates, district composition, issue priorities, and turnout. Weak consumer confidence can serve as a political barometer, but it is no crystal ball for accurately predicting elections.
For financial markets, the midterms may amplify volatility in policy expectations. Investors will watch fiscal spending, taxes, trade policy, and regulation, as these factors could affect corporate earnings, inflation, and bond yields.
**Viewpoint:** The most potent ad before an election is sometimes not a campaign spot on TV, but the price sign at a gas station. For investors, rather than guessing who will win, it is better to focus on how post-election policies affect inflation, interest rates, and corporate profits. Political theater is one thing; in the end, economic fundamentals foot the bill. $SPCX

‌#美国消费者信心接近历史低点