What history tells us about US Presidential elections and the market

(Originally posted in 2020)

There has been a longstanding debate around how much impact a returning or an incoming President; has on market returns. In this graphic prepared by Dimensional Fund Advisors, it is easy to see that no matter which Party the President represents, the markets continue to trend upward.

Overall, the companies that make up the market rely on their shareholders and customers and not the President to grow their businesses. That is not to say that the President does not have an impact, but instead to outline that the President is only one of many factors that contribute to the market’s performance.

It is good to stay focused on the long-term and let data be your guide.