Midterm elections could jolt stocks if Democrats sweep Congress

The stock market is not yet pricing in a Democratic sweep of Congress — despite some polls and most prediction markets pointing that way — so that scenario could weigh on share prices Wednesday, according to investors and analysts. Republicans managing to keep control could cause a short-term relief rally, they said. Short-term moves aside, the typical post-midterm pattern in the months ahead is bullish. But some wonder if the market could buck the positive historical trend this time because the S&P 500 is already up so much this year going into the election.