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US election prediction - a week?


Based on the latest information available one week before the 2024 US presidential election, here are the key predictions and polling data:

1. Betting Odds:

Donald Trump is currently favored to win according to most betting markets. BetOnline has Trump at -190 (implied 65.5% probability) compared to Kamala Harris at +165 (37.7% probability)

2. National Polls:

Harris maintains a slight lead in national polling averages. The BBC's poll tracker shows Harris with a small but consistent lead since entering the race in July 3.

3. Swing State Polls:

The race is extremely tight in key battleground states :

- Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina: Trump has a small lead

- Nevada: Harris slightly ahead

- Michigan, Wisconsin: Harris leading but polls have tightened recently

- Pennsylvania: Trump now has a very slight lead after Harris led for months

4. Expert Predictions:

- Allan Lichtman, who has correctly predicted 9 of the last 10 elections, is forecasting a Harris victory.

He cites factors like Democrats rallying behind Harris and her potential to make history as the first female, Asian, and Black woman president.

5. Economic Indicators:

Some economic factors may pose challenges for Harris as the incumbent party candidate :

- Consumer sentiment remains low compared to historical election year averages

- Inflation and high interest rates are still top concerns for many voters

6. Stock Market Signals:

A basket of stocks expected to benefit from a Republican win has outperformed a Democratic-leaning basket by 10% year-to-date as of late September

7. Polling Caveats:

Experts caution that polls have underestimated Trump's support in past elections, and the race is so close in swing states that it's difficult to predict a clear winner

Conclusion

Overall, while Trump appears to have a slight edge in betting markets and some swing states, the race remains extremely competitive with Harris leading in national polls. The outcome is likely to be determined by narrow margins in key battleground states.