US Mid-Term Elections Dominate Price Action in All Markets

US mid-term elections are dominating price action across all markets. Uncertainty creates volatility. Equities, forex, and commodities react. Traders watch for sentiment shifts. This event paused many trends. Congestion appeared as results unfolded.

Waiting for the US mid-term elections was reflected in the markets this afternoon, and following an initial move higher, that was it for the rest of the session, as all three indices rotated around the VPOC on the fast-timeframe charts and lacked both direction and participation. The price action was no great surprise given the political landscape along with the FED decision due on Thursday.

But as always on such days, it reminds us we have to be patient and wait for the trading opportunities to arrive and not force them, where none exist which was the case for index traders today. This general lack of momentum was also reflected in related markets, with the US dollar and gold both trading in narrow ranges. The terrific price action of October, a nightmare for investors, but joyous for traders, now seems to be a dim and distant memory as we wait for the Santa Claus rally to appear on the horizon!

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Why Elections Drive Congestion

Election news causes hesitation. Investors wait for outcomes. Volume drops in ranges. Price consolidates. Volume price analysis (VPA) reveals this pause. Low volume on moves signals indecision. High-volume clusters are built for future breakouts.

VPOC Indicator in Congested Markets

The Volume Point of Control (VPOC) takes centre stage here. It marks the price with highest traded volume. In congestion, VPOC acts as fair value. Price gravitates back. Quantum VPOC indicator on NinjaTrader or MT5 highlights these levels clearly. High volume at VPOC shows acceptance. Rejection warns of potential reversal.

Practical VPA Insights During Election Pause

Markets paused post-election. VPOC held as support or resistance. Low volume bounces offered traps. High volume breaks signaled continuation. Quantum Trend Monitor stayed neutral in ranges. Accumulation/Distribution spotted subtle phases.

Trading Lessons from the Event

Election-driven congestion teaches patience. Avoid forcing trades in low volume. Wait for VPOC confirmation. Anna Coulling’s VPA approach with Quantum tools navigates uncertainty confidently. Events like mid-terms create relational opportunities.

US mid-term elections dominated action. VPOC revealed truth in congestion. Quantum indicators make spotting pauses and breakouts reliable. Apply VPA for disciplined trading during news events.

How Mid-Term US Elections Impact Markets and Sentiment

US mid-term elections occur every four years, halfway through a president’s term. They elect the full House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate. Control of Congress shifts sentiment. Markets react to potential policy changes. Traders watch for volatility and opportunities. Volume price analysis (VPA) helps navigate reactions.

Pre-Election Uncertainty and Volatility

Mid-terms create uncertainty. Polls swing. Policy risks rise—taxes, spending, regulation. Markets dislike unknowns. Volatility spikes pre-election. Equities often dip. Safe-havens (USD, JPY, gold) gain. VPA shows low volume rallies—weak conviction.

Quantum volatility indicator flags pre-election surges. This warns of potential traps.

Post-Election Relief and Gridlock Premium

History shows markets rally post-mid-terms. “Gridlock” (divided government) is often bullish. Less chance of major changes. Tax cuts or spending limited. Stocks like stability.

Examples:

  • 2018 mid-terms (Republican losses): Initial dip, then rally.
  • 2022 mid-terms (Republican House gain): Relief rally despite divided government.

VPA confirms—high volume post-election moves validate direction.

Impact on Specific Markets

  • Equities: Gridlock favors stocks—less regulation. Tech/growth sensitive.
  • Forex: USD often strengthens on policy continuity. Risk-off favors safe-havens.
  • Bonds: Yield shifts on fiscal expectations.
  • Commodities: Energy sensitive to regulation.

Quantum currency strength indicator ranks USD live. Matrix shows relational shifts.

Trading Mid-Term Elections with VPA

Prepare for volatility. Avoid pre-election noise. Wait for volume confirmation post-results. High volume rallies = conviction. Low volume = traps. Quantum Trend Monitor aligns direction.

Anna Coulling’s VPA approach turns election volatility into disciplined trades. Quantum tools spot sentiment shifts early.

Mid-term elections impact markets through uncertainty and gridlock outcomes. VPA with Quantum indicators delivers the edge. Stay volume-focused for consistent results.

By Anna Coulling

Creator of Volume Price Analysis