US stocks fell on Tuesday as traders grappled with growing concerns over Federal Reserve rate hikes and the looming uncertainty of the US presidential election. Meanwhile, the dollar and gold saw gains as investors shifted toward safer assets.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both posted losses, with investors becoming increasingly wary of the Fed’s hawkish stance on interest rates. Recent comments from Federal Reserve officials suggest more tightening may be on the horizon, despite hopes that inflation has been cooling. Higher interest rates tend to weigh on equity markets, particularly growth stocks, as borrowing costs rise and future earnings are discounted.

At the same time, the dollar strengthened, benefiting from its status as a safe haven currency amid the growing election risks. With the US election approaching, market participants are bracing for potential volatility, especially as polling data becomes more unpredictable. Traders are concerned about how policy shifts, depending on the election outcome, could impact markets, particularly in sectors like energy, tech, and trade-sensitive industries.

Gold prices also climbed, supported by rising risk aversion and uncertainty around both monetary policy and the election. As a traditional hedge against both inflation and geopolitical risks, gold has gained favor among investors seeking stability in an otherwise uncertain environment.

The markets are caught in a delicate balance, with traders trying to gauge whether the Fed will maintain its aggressive rate path or signal a pause if economic data softens. At the same time, the potential for election-driven volatility remains a key focus, driving demand for safer assets like the dollar and gold.

For now, investors are shifting their portfolios toward caution, waiting for more clarity from both the Fed and the political landscape as the critical weeks ahead unfold.