Image: Bigstock

Stocks have generally had positive returns in the year following midterm elections. Per WSJ, the S&P 500 index has risen in the one-year period following every midterm election since 1942.  Could this time be different?

Recent polls suggest that a split Congress is the most likely outcome, with Republicans winning the House and Democrats retaining the Senate. Stocks generally do well during periods of gridlock.

The SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF (CNRG - Free Report), which provides a modified equal-weighted exposure to firms associated with clean power generation, could benefit if Democrats retain control of Congress.

A Republican-controlled Congress could boost traditional energy ETFs like the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE - Free Report) and the SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP - Free Report). Exxon Mobil (XOM - Free Report) and Chevron (CVX - Free Report) are among the top holdings in these funds.

If Republicans win the House and Senate, large technology and semiconductor companies with substatial international exposure, like Apple (AAPL - Free Report) and NVIDIA (NVDA - Free Report) could benefit. Take a look at the SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD - Free Report) and the SPDR NYSE Technology ETF (XNTK - Free Report).

The SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD - Free Report) is worth a look If Democrats retain control of Congress as companies may prioritize returning cash to investors via dividends.

Increasing defense spending is one of the few areas that the two parties agree on. Bipartisan support for further infrastructure spending is also likely.

More By This Author:

Why Aerospace & Defense ETFs Are Rising
Why Cash-Rich Companies And #ETFs Are Beating The Market?
Best & Worst Performing ETFs Of Q3 2022