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Election uncertainty, economic policy uncertainty and financial market uncertainty: A prediction market analysis

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  • Goodell, John W.
  • McGee, Richard J.
  • McGroarty, Frank

Abstract

We examine the relationship between election uncertainty, economic policy uncertainty, and financial market uncertainty in a prediction-market analysis, covering seven US presidential election campaigns. We argue theoretically that changes in the incumbent party re-election probability should be a key driver of changes in policy uncertainty. Consistent with this theory, we find that a large portion of changes in financial uncertainty in the final stages of election campaign seasons is explained by changes in the probability of the incumbent party getting re-elected. Our findings suggest that the incumbent-party election probability, derived from prediction markets, is an important measure of economic policy uncertainty in the days leading up to US elections.

Suggested Citation

  • Goodell, John W. & McGee, Richard J. & McGroarty, Frank, 2020. "Election uncertainty, economic policy uncertainty and financial market uncertainty: A prediction market analysis," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:110:y:2020:i:c:s0378426619302584
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2019.105684
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Political uncertainty; Economic policy uncertainty; Financial uncertainty; Election uncertainty; Prediction markets;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E65 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Studies of Particular Policy Episodes
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G13 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Contingent Pricing; Futures Pricing
    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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