Asian equities and US stocks futures slump amid blue sweep in US polls

US stock futures and Asian equities plummeted alongside the dollar, as early results from the US midterm polls began to influence global markets. The benchmark S&P 500 index futures fell by 1.06%, while the Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 1.9% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures declined 0.7%. The US dollar weakened against a basket of currencies. In contrast, US Treasuries provided relief, with the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note falling seven basis points to 4.89%.

Investors grew concerned that a Democratic-controlled House and Senate might impose stricter regulations, particularly in the tech sector, including artificial intelligence firms. According to Nomura Holdings' senior rates strategist Andrew Ticehurst, the early predictions of a "blue wave" - a significant Democratic victory - were viewed negatively for the dollar and positively for US Treasuries, causing market reactions accordingly.

Asian stock indices mirrored the downward trend, reversing earlier gains. The MSCI's broad Asia-Pacific index outside Japan declined 0.5%, while South Korea's KOSPI fell 3.6%, Japan's Nikkei index dropped 3.5%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index decreased slightly by 0.22%. India's stocks were also expected to open lower.

Markets seemed to price in a potential stronger Democratic showing, which could diminish expectations for additional fiscal stimulus. Saxo in Singapore's chief investment strategist Charu Chanana noted this possibility.

Early projections indicated Democrats would secure control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, overturning Republican majorities. The party needed at least 51 Senate seats to achieve a majority, a goal within their reach. Additionally, Democrats took control of the North Carolina House seat, flipping it to their favor with the win of Roy Cooper. A Democratic House majority would obstruct the President's final two years in office and potentially trigger investigations into his administration's policies.