Key Messages
- The outcome of the midterm elections proved to be more than a simple referendum on the current administration. Indeed, it represented a potential inflection point for US fiscal policy and the technological narrative currently driving global markets.
- The Democratic Party achieved a ‘blue sweep’ of the House and Senate. The shift was even larger than expected. It was probably driven by a disconnect between strong macroeconomic aggregates and the "affordability gap" (inflation and housing costs) experienced by voters.
- Despite potential long-term regulatory risks, AI capex momentum is expected to remain intact in the short term, as presidential vetoes are likely to block detrimental legislation.
- While equity markets historically perform well post-midterms, the Democratic majority may lead to expansionary fiscal policies, potentially pushing 10-year US yields above 5% again and supporting a scenario of gradual depreciation of the USD.