“Heated election cycles are nothing new,” says Lauren Sanfilippo, senior investment strategist for the Chief Investment Office (CIO), but “they’ve never slowed the world’s largest economy for long.” Here, Sanfilippo offers ideas for how to keep this year’s elections in perspective, noting that while they often do cause elevated market volatility, it’s usually short-lived.  She also offers five steps for keeping your financial goals on track amid the potential distractions.

For more insights into the markets and economy, read the CIO’s weekly Capital Market Outlook.