US stocks historically post double-digit gains after midterm elections

US stocks may see double-digit gains in the months following the midterm elections, according to historical data and analyst forecasts. The S&P 500 has averaged a 14% rise in the six months after midterms since 1970, versus 6% in non-election years. Under a Republican president, the average post-midterm gain is 15%, with technology stocks leading at 31% average returns over the following year. JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley predict a strong rally, with the latter seeing the S&P 500 bottoming near 7,100 and rising 12% to about 8,000 by year-end. Analysts attribute the expected upswing to the removal of election-related uncertainty, which historically depresses markets beforehand. Recent market narrowness and low volatility are cited as positive signals, though some warn gains may be concentrated in select stocks.