S&P 500 and Election Cycle Peaks

With the 2020 U.S. election behind us, today’s chart takes a unique look at the presidential cycle.

Today’s chart illustrates how the majority of major stock market tops have occurred during a presidential election year (plus or minus one quarter).

One theory for this phenomenon is that the party in power will typically make difficult economic decisions in the early years of a presidential election cycle.

Then, as a new election approaches, the acting administration will do everything within its power to stimulate the economy to increase the odds of re-election.

With this in mind, forward-looking investors adjust their holdings well in advance of these policy shifts.

S&P 500 and Election Cycle Peaks

How often has the Dow gained during a presidential election year?

Since 1900, the Dow has ended an election year on the positive side 22 out of 31 times for an average win rate of 71%.

What was the biggest gain by the Dow during a presidential election year?

The biggest election year gain since 1900 occurred in 1928 when the Dow gained 48.2%.

What was the Dow's biggest loss during a presidential election year?

The Dow’s biggest loss during a presidential election year since 1900 was 33.8% in 2008.

How did the Dow perform during the most recent presidential election year?

For the calendar year of 2020, the Dow was up 12.2%.