# Midterms and Stocks: Why Politics Shouldn't Touch Your Portfolio

> Midterm elections won't boost stocks, keep politics out of your portfolio this November.
- Title: Midterms and Stocks: Why Politics Shouldn't Touch Your…
- Summary: Midterm elections won't boost stocks, keep politics out of your portfolio this November. Investors should avoid political predictions and focus on long-term…
- Keywords: midterm elections, s&p 500, stock portfolio, investing, political elections, market returns, election impact, Midterms, Stocks, Politics, Shouldn't, Touch
- Source: Kiplinger — https://kiplinger.com/investing/what-the-midterms-mean-for-your-stock-portfolio
- Published: 2026-10-15T11:45:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: midterm elections, s&p 500, stock portfolio, investing, political elections, market returns, election impact
## Why politics shouldn't touch your portfolio
Positioning your portfolio with electoral politics in mind is a bad idea before November's midterm elections.
## Barry Ritholtz's advice
Barry Ritholtz, co-founder of Ritholtz Wealth Management, urges keeping politics out of investing because it's emotional while investing is logical.
## Historical stock performance
The S&P 500 has risen 18 straight times following midterms since 1954, with a 17.2% average annual return.
## Ryan Detrick's insight
Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist at Carson Group, says the fourth quarter of a midterm year is historically the best quarter for stocks.
## Gridlock benefits stocks
A divided Congress often helps the stock market by avoiding sweeping legislative changes.
## Monica Guerra's analysis
Under a Republican president and split Congress, the S&P 500 historically gains 23% post-midterm versus 12% across all outcomes.
## Long-term market stability
U.S. stocks have climbed under both parties since 1945 with midterm results having limited impact on long-term market performance.
## Key takeaway

Investors should avoid political predictions and focus on long-term market trends as midterms historically boost S&P 500 returns.