Futures for the Dow Jones Industrials advanced 19 points, or 0.1%, to 41,975.
Futures for the S&P 500 gained 8.25 points, or 0.1%, to 5,751.50.
Futures for the NASDAQ Composite Index tallied 56 points, or 0.3%, to 20,142.
The latest poll from NBC News suggests the race is “neck and neck” between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Close attention also remains on which party dominates Congress, given that a sweep by Republicans or Democrats could contribute to drastic spending changes or a big revamp of tax policy.
The results could have a significant effect on where stocks end the year, but investors may want to brace for some near-term choppiness.
Data going back to 1980 suggests the major averages gain between Election Day and the end of the year, but typically fall in the session and week after. Uncertainty over the results could lead to even more shakiness in the market.
Beyond the election, investors await the Federal Reserve’s November rate decision due Thursday and fresh commentary from Chair Jerome Powell on the central bank’s policy moves going forward. Traders are pricing in 98% odds of a quarter-point cut following September’s half-point reduction.
On the earnings front, Palantir popped 12% in the premarket on strong quarterly results and upbeat revenue guidance, while NXP Semiconductors fell 5% on a soft outlook due to macro concerns.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 hiked 1.1% Tuesday, while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng leaped 2.1%.
Oil prices added 43 cents to $71.90 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices inched ahead 30 cents to $2,746.50.