As the U.S. enters the last campaign weeks of the 2024 presidential election, scheduled for November 5, global markets are closely monitoring the potential shifts in policies that may impact trade, investment, and geopolitical stability. With deep trade ties, significant foreign direct investment (FDI), and shared security interests, the outcome of the U.S. presidential election—whether it results in continuity under Democratic President Kamala Harris or a shift with the return of Republican President Donald Trump—will have wide-ranging implications for Southeast Asia’s economies. Currently, global risk consultancies like BMI (a Fitch company) forecast a closely contested race, leaving major markets and political observers worldwide on tenterhooks.