Four of five Americans anticipate they will have to endure personal financial decline if their preferred presidential loses the election. That according to new research from the Certified Financial Planning Board. 

In spite of sentiments towards the economic policies of either potential president, nearly 60% of Americans in the study are optimistic about the election and its potential to benefit the U.S. economy. And more than half of Americans feel good about their personal financial well-being.

What are voters looking for in a candidate?

• 92% agree that the cost of living and inflation are important considerations when choosing a candidate.
• 85% are concerned about their personal income growth
• 82% want to know how tax policies will affect them

Other items of importance to the respondents are housing costs, interest rates and the viability of the Social Security and Medicare programs. 

For many Americans, the election is prompting them to take another look at their personal finances. A significant number of voters are delaying major financial decisions until the results of the election are known. 

Being cautious can be a good thing… that is if you can afford to be out of the markets. Many investors need to take on some risk to reach their financial objectives. The history of the stock market shows us that elections rarely rattle the markets as much as investors may anticipate. 

In all but four presidential election years since 1928, the year ended with positive stock returns. All but one election year ended with positive bond returns. Past performance will not dictate what happens in the future, but that may be a strong argument to not take on the ‘opportunity costs’ or being out of the market. Overall, election year returns average 10.2% for stocks versus 10.1% in non-election years.