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Which stocks could deliver big returns under President Harris or Trump?

Which stocks could deliver big returns under President Harris or Trump?

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump put the economy at the center of their campaigns, but the two candidates have vastly different views on what the economy could look like under their leadership.

The stock market has two diverging paths, and the divide between Democrats and Republicans in both policy and rhetoric has spooked American investors.

“What we’re hearing from investors is that this election is probably one of the most divisive in history,” said Stephen Wang, founder and CEO of dub, an investment platform that specializes in political portfolios. “Regardless of who wins, the impact on markets will be enormous.”

Wang told Newsweek that two different dub portfolios, each based on different November election results, identified different industries that could benefit from a potential Trump or Harris win, using data on political donations and previous market movements.

For example, Trump’s stance on energy deregulation and aggressive tariff policies could lead to a fossil fuel boom and growth in the industrial sector. In contrast, Harris’ focus on clean energy sources and cybersecurity could see growth elsewhere.

Trump’s portfolio identifies traditional energy sectors such as oil as potential big winners in a second Trump term, as well as defense contractors that would benefit from the former president’s bullish stance on military funding.

Donald Trump, New York Stock Exchange
Donald Trump is seen on a monitor as a trader works at his desk at the New York Stock Exchange in 2018. Trump’s victory could lead to a rise in the stock market, an expert told Newsweek.

Getty Images

Cryptocurrency has also been highlighted as an industry to watch, with many leading crypto investors supporting Trump and donating to his campaign.

“Trump’s victory will mean the stock market is likely to go up,” Wang said. Newsweek. “He was a big proponent of tax cuts and deregulation, and he handed over the head of the Federal Trade Commission. He is very friendly to domestic oil policy and has proposed increasing tariffs.

“I think there will be a break here, although many of these policies will increase inflation.”

The big winners in Harris’ portfolio were healthcare and green energy investments, with the vice president a strong advocate for sustainable energy.

Real estate investing was also highlighted; Harris’ housing policy would provide $100 million in community grants to stimulate construction across the United States.

Wang said: “Harris can be seen as an extension of what Biden has been doing. Her policies are generally seen as delivering far greater benefits to the average American by supporting the Affordable Care Act, increasing housing construction and passing lower tariffs. “

Key players in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry such as Nvidia have been named “one to watch” in the coming months to see how the industry and the broader stock market react to the results on Election Day.

Wang also noted that suppliers are also important to keep an eye on, especially since international suppliers could face higher tariffs from a potential Trump administration.

“Everyone thinks about Nvidia, but there are a couple other chip and technology providers,” he said. “ASML (Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography) has become very popular lately, followed by TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company).”

Since both of these leading technology providers are based outside the US, higher tariffs could tighten supply chains for the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector.

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