Can New Congress Deliver What Voters Asked For?
27 min
The historic 2026 midterm elections saw sweeping Democratic victories in Congress and statehouses, and now investors are asking what it will all mean for Washington, the markets, and their portfolios. Host Mike Townsend shares insights on what a Democratic-controlled Congress will face as it navigates a divided government with President Trump, which policy priorities could gain traction, and where partisan gridlock is likely to prevail. Mike offers his outlook for key issues including taxes, tariffs, health care, Social Security, retirement savings, cryptocurrency regulation, and the growing debate over artificial intelligence and data centers. He also examines how the election could reshape congressional oversight of the financial industry and why the Trump administration's regulatory agenda is likely to continue. Finally, Mike reflects on how the stock market has historically performed following midterm elections and the importance of investors staying focused on their long-term financial goals. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts DISCLOSURES 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 sour...