Stock futures saw a slight uptick on Tuesday evening as investors kept a close watch on the unfolding U.S. presidential election, anticipating significant market and economic impacts from the results.
By 10:20 am AEDT (11:20 pm GMT) futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 added 0.2% apiece, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.1%
In after-hours deals, Super Micro Computer shed 14.5% after issuing preliminary guidance for quarterly sales that fell below market expectations.
Exact Sciences plummeted 30.1% after revising its full-year revenue guidance lower.
Coupang dipped 7.4% despite reporting earnings per share (EPS) and revenue that exceeded analyst expectations.
Microchip Technology dropped 4.8% following a weaker-than-expected outlook.
Meanwhile, shares of Trump Media & Technology Group showed volatility, up 5.8% as the company announced its third-quarter results.
In one of the tightest U.S. elections, voters across the country decided between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, with polls beginning to close at 6 p.m. ET (9 am AEDT) in parts of Kentucky and Indiana.
Market analysts have highlighted that Trump’s approach, with potential corporate tax cuts, could support businesses but may introduce inflation concerns through trade tariffs.
Conversely, a Harris presidency could usher in tighter regulations for banks and healthcare sectors, with clean energy support potentially benefiting electric vehicle and solar industries.
The potential control of Congress is also under scrutiny, as a unified government under either party could lead to sweeping tax and spending policy changes.
Despite the anticipation, election results may not be clear until later in the week, raising concerns that prolonged uncertainty could weigh on market sentiment.
Prior to election night, Wall Street saw a rally, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.2%, the Dow added 1% and the Nasdaq Composite up 1.4%.
In addition to the election, the Federal Reserve’s upcoming rate decision on Thursday remains another focal point for investors.
Market forecasts indicate a 94.1% likelihood of a quarter-point rate cut following September's half-point reduction, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch Tool.