Bouts of Volatility Possible as Ballot Tally Continues
Key Insights
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States continue to count ballots in order to determine the winner of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
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Given the surge in absentee ballots and changes in election procedures during the coronavirus pandemic, we are not surprised that the result is not yet final.
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We are prepared to manage through various market conditions and remain focused on identifying investment opportunities on behalf of our clients.
Several factors have contributed to slower vote counting in the 2020 general election. In particular, the coronavirus pandemic is expected to have elevated the proportion of mail-in votes from 21% of the total in 2016 to approximately 39% in 2020—around 80 million votes.1 Mail-in votes typically take longer to count due to signature verification procedures
Because each state determines its own voting laws, ballot submission deadlines and the permitted dates for ballot counting vary widely, and many states did not begin the ballot count until after polls closed on Election Day. Consequently, in states where counting is close, results may not be declared for days, if not weeks.
Results will also need to be accepted by both parties. Katie Deal, Washington analyst in the Equity Division at T. Rowe Price, notes that “given that the results in some states could be determined by a small margin of votes, we should expect both parties to pursue every procedural, political, and legal mechanism possible to ensure that every vote for their candidate is counted.”
What Is T. Rowe Price’s Investment Perspective on the Uncertainty?
Over the course of this election cycle, our research and investment teams have monitored the campaigns and policies of the two candidates and have prepared for the possibility of electoral delays.
In the event of a protracted period of uncertainty about the result, some market volatility may be expected. While there may be no historical analogy to this election cycle, contested elections can indeed create market volatility. In the contested 2000 presidential election, the S&P 500 fell 5.6% in the four trading days following Election Day (November 7). The index swung between gains and losses over the following weeks and declined 5.0% from Election Day to December 13, when Vice President Al Gore conceded.2
While short-term volatility can create distinct challenges for investors, T. Rowe Price’s investment process focuses on positioning for potential success over the long term, while paying attention to managing risk. We are also focused on the long-term opportunities presented by short-term volatility, and we rely on our patient and strategic investment approach to guide us in periods of market turmoil.
Among communications T. Rowe Price has shared with clients, we have published a variety of investment insights related to government actions and the U.S. elections.
...we should expect both parties to pursue every procedural, political, and legal mechanism possible to ensure that every vote for their candidate is counted.
- Katie Deal, Washington Analyst, U.S. Equity Division
What Further Communications Can I Expect From T. Rowe Price?
As soon as the presidential election result is confirmed, we will share with clients our insights and analysis of the market and investment implications.
In the meantime, our investment, research, and policy teams continue to monitor the situation and markets, and we look forward to sharing more of our insights with you.
...we rely on our patient and strategic investment approach to guide us in periods of market turmoil.
1 Source: Pew Research Center, October 9, 2020.
2 Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Important Information
This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice or a recommendation to take any particular investment action.
The views contained herein are those of the authors as of October 2020 and are subject to change without notice; these views may differ from those of other T. Rowe Price associates.
This information is not intended to reflect a current or past recommendation concerning investments, investment strategies, or account types, advice of any kind, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or investment services. The opinions and commentary provided do not take into account the investment objectives or financial situation of any particular investor or class of investor. Please consider your own circumstances before making an investment decision.
Information contained herein is based upon sources we consider to be reliable; we do not, however, guarantee its accuracy. Actual outcomes may differ materially from expectations.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. All investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. All charts and tables are shown for illustrative purposes only.
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