Loading navigation

Midterms: Policy, Politics & Your Portfolio

Political rhetoric is on a 24-hour loop in the runup to the midterms. But does any of it matter to the markets? What should investors be watching?
October 8, 2026•Michael Townsend
Podcast cover: Midterms: Policy, Politics & Your Portfolio

WashingtonWise | EP147

Midterms: Policy, Politics & Your Portfolio

Current time: 0 seconds, Duration: 0 seconds

After you listen

In this election preview episode of WashingtonWise, host Mike Townsend offers his guide to the 2026 midterms, including the latest outlook for control of the House and Senate, the key races that could determine the balance of power, and why divided government is emerging as the most likely outcome. Mike goes in depth on the markets and midterms, including historical reaction to elections, where investors should consider putting their focus, and how major policy battles could shape 2027. 

Mike also shares the latest from Washington, including the Senate's failure to move forward on data center legislation and a congressional stock trading ban, the dramatic expansion of Trump Accounts, and changes at the SEC. 

WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. 

If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not  suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Cryptocurrency-related products carry a substantial level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Investments in cryptocurrencies are relatively new, highly speculative, and may be subject to extreme price volatility, illiquidity, and increased risk of loss, including your entire investment in the fund. Spot markets on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and largely unregulated, and therefore, may be more exposed to fraud and security breaches than established, regulated exchanges for other financial assets or instruments. Some cryptocurrency-related products use futures contracts to attempt to duplicate the performance of an investment in cryptocurrency, which may result in unpredictable pricing, higher transaction costs, and performance that fails to track the price of the reference cryptocurrency as intended

Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.

All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses (and/or "transaction fees or other related expenses"), and cannot be invested in directly.  For more information on indexes, please see ​<schwab.com/indexdefinitions

1026-EYUJ