Dow Jones Surges After Trump Accepts Midterm Election Results

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1,569.40 points, or 3.03%, to close at 53,356.12 on November 4, 2026, marking its strongest post-midterm election day in percentage terms in 44 years. The rally followed midterm elections in which Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. Market gains were driven by a 20.26% decrease in the VIX volatility index and a drop in West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices, which fell over 8% to $88.12 a barrel.

Donald Trump contributed to the positive investor sentiment by stating he accepted the election results and would work with Democrats, though he later claimed on Truth Social that the market hit a record high despite major indexes remaining below previous peaks. Analysts attributed the surge to the prospect of a divided government, as Trump indicated he intended to use his veto power on policies he dislikes, and optimism that the war with Iran would end.

While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose, they did not reach record highs. Healthcare stocks increased following Democratic pledges to expand healthcare access, though smaller AI data center stocks fell as several governorships turned Democratic. The momentum shifted by Thursday, when stocks plummeted and erased a portion of the previous gains.