When the U.S. elections roll around, it’s almost like watching a suspense thriller. But instead of just popcorn, I’ve got my investment app open, watching stock and crypto prices bounce up and down. This election season was no different, and the impact on my portfolio—along with a lot of others here in the Philippines—was pretty interesting.
Stocks: Tech and Green Energy on the Move
The stock market felt the tremors of election season big-time. From the tech sector to green energy, we saw stocks that are popular among Filipino investors responding to potential policy changes in the U.S. Here are a few specific examples that stood out for me:
- Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft (MSFT)
These tech giants are mainstays in global portfolios, and I noticed their prices became quite volatile as the elections stirred up potential policy changes around tech regulation and taxes. Apple and Microsoft both faced price swings, as there was talk of potential regulations on big tech. Since I hold a bit of Apple, I felt the impact directly in my portfolio—it was a “hold steady” moment, knowing that tech stocks often recover once the dust settles. - Tesla (TSLA) and NextEra Energy (NEE)
Renewable energy stocks, like Tesla and NextEra Energy, also reacted to the elections, as new U.S. policies were expected to support green energy. I have a small stake in Tesla, and I could see how election news was impacting it; the stock price seemed to rally with news about green policies and plans to support sustainable energy. It’s exciting because Tesla and similar stocks often benefit from pro-environment policies, which were a major talking point this election season. - Pfizer (PFE)
In healthcare, Pfizer was another one to watch. While I don’t hold Pfizer myself, some of my friends in the investing community do, and we saw it moving based on discussions of healthcare policy and vaccine support programs. With every election cycle, healthcare stocks are often influenced by shifts in policy, and Pfizer’s involvement in COVID-19 vaccines gave it an extra boost in volatility.
Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin and Ethereum Surge as “Safe Havens”
Crypto felt like a whole other story. Unlike stocks, which went up and down with policy predictions, Bitcoin and Ethereum saw a strong uptrend as the U.S. election brought more uncertainty. For a lot of Filipinos who dabble in crypto, this was a time to either jump in or hold tight.
- tcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin was on fire during the elections. Many saw it as a “safe haven” asset, similar to gold, especially since some investors worry about inflation or economic shifts during major political events. I don’t have a massive holding in Bitcoin, but I saw a solid increase in value during election season. It seemed like investors wanted a bit of security amid all the election news, so BTC rallied. - Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum also benefited, though in a slightly different way. Besides being a “safe haven,” Ethereum’s value went up with discussions about the future of blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) technology, which became even more relevant as some regulatory shifts were anticipated. For Filipinos like me who are into crypto, Ethereum has been a solid hold, and the elections just reaffirmed its role in the crypto space as a valuable asset. - Altcoins: Ripple (XRP) and Cardano (ADA)
Some altcoins, like Ripple (XRP) and Cardano (ADA), also experienced movement. With discussions around potential U.S. regulations on digital assets, altcoins fluctuated as investors weighed the risks and rewards. I’ve seen mixed reactions from Filipino friends in the crypto space—some took advantage of the dips to buy, while others held back, waiting for more clarity on crypto regulations.
Final Takeaways
The U.S. elections definitely highlighted how interconnected our investments are, even here in the Philippines. For both stocks and crypto, election season was a time to watch, not panic. If anything, it’s been a good reminder that holding steady and paying attention to global news can help us make smarter choices with our investments.
