Market Potential Following Trump’s Electoral Victory 🗳️📈
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for a return to the White House, the stock market is poised for notable shifts, especially within certain sectors that may benefit from proposed changes to corporate tax policies. Analysts from Goldman Sachs have emphasized that his victory diminishes political uncertainty surrounding the stock market and could lead to an overall uptrend in equities. This year, the market may see strong movements influenced by these developments as well as other economic factors.
Political Landscape and Economic Factors 🏛️📊
The election outcome fosters a clearer political landscape which, according to David Kostin, Goldman’s chief U.S. equity strategist, serves as a catalyst for stock price increases. Following the election, there was a significant spike in major indices: the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged by 3.6%, the S&P 500 climbed 2.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite saw a nearly 3% increase. These results are marked as the largest single-day increases following Election Day in history.
Kostin noted that along with the resolution of electoral uncertainties, strong recent economic data and the continuing trend of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts support a positive outlook for U.S. equities in the near term. Analysts predict that the S&P 500 could close this year at approximately 6,015, reflecting a historical average increase of about 4% from Election Day to year-end.
The Future of Congressional Control 🏛️🔍
One of the pivotal factors determining the market’s trajectory will be the control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Whether Trump’s administration functions with full Republican control or faces a divided Congress will significantly impact potential legislative action on tax reforms. As several House races remain undecided, the current trend favors Republican control, which would pair with the party’s previous acquisition of the Senate.
Potential Economic Impact of Tax Reforms 💰📉
If a unified Republican government swiftly implements Trump’s proposed corporate tax cuts, it could lead to a substantial boost in earnings projections for companies listed on the S&P 500 index. Goldman anticipates that such tax reforms might uplift earnings per share growth predictions by four percentage points. Trump’s desire to cut the corporate tax rate from 21% down to 15% aligns closely with these estimates.
Goldman projects earnings per share growth of 11% by 2025 and a subsequent 7% growth in 2026. The tax cuts implemented during Trump’s previous term are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025 unless there are legislative moves to extend or alter the current tax laws.
Examining Beneficiaries of Tax Cuts 📊👀
To identify the companies that may gain from reduced corporate tax rates, Goldman has focused on firms that have historically paid higher corporate tax rates compared to the S&P 500 median. Specifically, they targeted companies with median tax rates exceeding the industry average of 21% over the past decade.
Highlighted Companies on Goldman’s List 📈📋
Among the leading names included in Goldman’s exploration of beneficiaries is Disney. In 2024, Disney shares have increased by over 10%, though they have underperformed relative to the broader market. The company, led by CEO Bob Iger, has one of the highest median corporate tax rates at 29%. According to surveys, around 72% of analysts have rated Disney with a buy or outperform status, suggesting an anticipated 11% growth in stock price over the upcoming year.
Another significant player highlighted is Hilton Worldwide Holdings. This hotel and resort company has achieved a remarkable 35% increase in share price for 2024, outperforming the general market. Like Disney, Hilton has also maintained a median corporate tax rate of 29% over the past decade. The company reported third-quarter earnings that surpassed market expectations, though its full-year earnings guidance fell short of analyst predictions.
Other notable companies identified in this context include Delta Airlines and American Express, which have also been highlighted by Goldman for their high median corporate tax rates, making them potential beneficiaries of Trump’s tax policy alterations.