The U.S. presidential election is just days away. Which candidate is better for the stock market? Surprisingly, we don't think it matters that much. This theory is backed up by historical data. Our review of presidential cycles reveals that the primary driver of stock success is market fundamentals - how well the economy is doing, if inflation is maintained at the low 2%-3% levels, if the labor market remains strong and unemployment doesn't creep up, and if interest rates are lower. This is the best case for stocks and outweighs whoever is in the White House. That said, there are some nuances and implications for individual sectors. For our list this week and next, we look at several sectors and how they might be impacted by America's choice for the next president. Below, we look at the Industrial and Financial sectors and how they might perform under either candidate.

Deere is the world’s leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, producing some of the most recognizable machines in the heavy machinery industry in their green and yellow livery. The company is divided into four reportable segments: production and precision agriculture, small agriculture and turf, construction and forestry, and John Deere Capital. Its products are available through an extensive dealer network, which includes over 2,000 dealer locations in North America and approximately 3,700 locations globally. John Deere Capital provides retail financing for machinery to its customers, in addition to wholesale financing for dealers, which increases the likelihood of Deere product sales.

Deere & Co. has four business segments: Production & Precision Ag, which develops and delivers global equipment and technology solutions for production-scale growers; Small Ag & Turf, which provides products to support mid-size and small growers as well as turf customers; Construction & Forestry, which manufactures and distributes a broad range of backhoe loaders, crawler dozers and loaders, four-wheel-drive loaders, excavators, motor graders, articulated dump trucks, and landscape loaders; and Financial Services, which finances purchases and leases of Deere equipment. Deere & Co. was founded in 1837 and is headquartered in Moline, Illinois. The company has approximately 83,000 employees. The shares are a component of the S&P 500.

U.S. stocks headed higher on Thursday following positive economic data. Retail sales rose 1%, above expectations for a 0.4% gain. Weekly jobless claims fell again this week to 227,000. The S&P 500 was up 1.6%, the Dow gained 1.4% and the Nasdaq rose 2.3%.