Markets:
Written By: Pledges Rahil Jagetia, Omshiv Padhi, Ritika Palacharla, and QT Dang Technology
Technology sector rises on Election Day and continues to despite government uncertainty
Although the results of the United States’ Presidential Election were uncertain for most of the week, technology companies experienced a sharp increase after a slight decline last week. The very tech-heavy NASDAQ composite closed up 1.85% and about 6.6% in the following days. Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google all rose about 1.5% on election day. Outside the FAANG stocks, Twitter rose about 5.71%. The exact catalyst for this soaring market is unknown, but many investors bought shares of these technology and software heavy companies in hopes of posting regular growth in this uncertain economic time period. In addition, the polls predicted of a Democratic win, which would lead to higher taxes and more regulation. Investors also forecasted that a Biden win would lead to a push away from the escalating Chinese trade war that has caused significant volatility in the technology sector.
Gold
Gold reaches its best week since July following the United States elections
The market for gold is on the rise and is set to reach its best week since July due to the weakening of the dollar. In addition, due to the outcome of the presidential election, in which Joe Biden has a high chance of securing, there is a higher chance for a larger coronavirus relief bill. This will lead to the deflation of the value of the dollar and cause gold prices to reach newfound highs. While the election results are not set in stone, there is a high chance for this immediate stimulus package to be announced and this will lead to gold moving up. Gold is on track for a 3.9% weekly gain. As for other precious metals, silver has gained 1.5% to reach $25.71 an ounce and palladium jumped 2.2% to reach $2,429.16.
COVID-19
COVID-19 cases reach record highs in the United States and across the world
On November 7, the U.S. reported setting a record high of cases for three days straight. More than 126,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Friday and roughly 9.7 million people across the country have been infected with COVID-19. Globally, cases continue to rise and cases have hit over 48 million, killing over 1 million people. After winning the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden brings much needed optimism to the situation as he plans a task force headed by three co-chairs: former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler, and Yale University’s Dr. Marcella Nunez Smith.
Politics
Biden led the polls throughout the week before officially winning the election on Saturday morning
Election week brought a major stock market surge after dropping around 6%. In fact, the S&P 500 and the Dow increased by 7% and NASDAQ increased by 9%. This surge is a direct result of election week and the prospect of a partisan divide of the White House, House, and Senate. Also, stocks in the sectors of technology and healthcare helped fueled broad gains because investors increased bets on these industries as a Biden win became more likely throughout the week. With Republicans maintaining their senate majority and democrats the house, stocks did well because Wall Street likes a divided government. A divided government limits policy overhaul that eats into corporate profits. Because many policy changes that Biden plans to enact including healthcare and tax reforms will be difficult to pass, the market responds positively. Furthermore, the divide in government means taxes will not increase, antitrust scrutiny will stay in check, and the China trade worse will not worsen: all positive factors for investors in the high growth sector. In conclusion, the surge is a result of investors turning more bullish at a prospect of a divided government.
Transportation
Uber and Lyft win big on the approval of Proposition 22 in California
This past week, Uber and Lyft’s shares closed up more than 10% following their exemption from California’s state labor law (Assembly Bill 5). Uber saw an increase of about 18% following the release of the news reaching a new 52 week high of $44.87 per share while Lyft shares increased by as much as 22%. California’s Proposition 22 allows ride-hailing companies to classify drivers as independent contractors, rather than company employees. The passing of Proposition 22 has led to Uber adding almost $11 billion to its market capitalization and Lyft was able to increase its market value by $1.8 billion. Many other transportation/food delivery companies that rely on the use of independent drivers also benefitted from the passing of Proposition 22. In fact, Uber, Lyft, Instacart, Postmates, and DoorDash worked together to put in over $200 million towards supporting the cause.
Works Cited:
CBS News. “U.S. Breaks COVID-19 Record for Third Straight Day with over 126,000 New Cases.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 7 Nov. 2020, www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-us-cases-record-third-day-126k/.
“Dow Surges 543 Points as Investors Warm to the Likelihood of a Divided Government | Markets Insider.” Business Insider, Business Insider, markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-market-news-today divided-election-government-tech-rally-2020-11-1029772596.
Imbert, Fred. “Stocks Jump as Post-Election Rally Continues, Dow up More than 300 Points.” CNBC, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2020, www.cnbc.com/2020/11/04/election-stock-market-futures-open-to-close-news.html.
Imbert, Fred. “Big Investors See a Great Backdrop for Stocks as Election Results Roll In.” CNBC, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2020, www.cnbc.com/2020/11/05/big-investors-see-a-great-backdrop-for-stocks-as-election-results roll-in.html.
Layek, S. (2020, November 06). Gold eyes best week since July on easing dollar, U.S. elections. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/global-precious/precious-gold-eyes-best-week-since-july-on-easing dollar-u-s-elections-idUSL4N2HS3U0
“GOLD Stock Price: Barrick Gold Corp. Stock Quote (U.S.: NYSE).” MarketWatch, www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/gold.
Maxouris, Christina. “New US Covid-19 Deaths Have Topped 1,000 for Four Straight Days as Infections Soar.” CNN, Cable News Network, 7 Nov. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/11/07/health/us-coronavirus saturday/index.html.
Todd Haselton, Lauren Feiner. “Uber and Lyft Both Close up More than 10% after California's Vote to Exempt Them from State Labor Law.” CNBC, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2020, www.cnbc.com/2020/11/04/uber-and-lyft stock-jump-after-californians-vote-to-pass-prop-22.html.
“Weekly Market Recap.” John Hancock Investment Management, www.jhinvestments.com/weekly-market recap.