Investors around the world say President Barack Obama is bad for the bottom line, even though U.S. corporations are on track for the biggest earnings growth in 22 years and the stock market is headed for its best back-to- back annual gains since 2004.
Pessimism about the impact of Obama’s policies on the investment climate is common to respondents everywhere, the latest Bloomberg Global Poll shows. At the same time, those outside the U.S. have favorable views of the president himself, while U.S. investors overwhelmingly have an unfavorable view, according to the quarterly poll of Bloomberg subscribers who are investors, analysts or traders conducted Nov. 8.
The respondents also say the Republican victories in midterm congressional elections, which gave the party control of the U.S. House of Representatives, will be good for business. Pluralities anticipate lower taxes, an improved investment climate and better stock market returns.