Dow futures loom after tech-led sell-off; Apple earnings and midterm elections in focus

Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures open Sunday evening after a week that ended with a sharp tech-led sell-off. The Nasdaq hit a three-month low, the S&P 500 a six-week low, and all major indexes closed below their 50-day lines. This week brings midterm elections, Apple and other key earnings, and the September jobs report. Polls suggest Democrats could retake Congress, which strategists say could pressure AI stocks, while a Republican-friendly outcome could buoy them. A Democratic Congress could also boost hospitals and health insurers, complicate crypto legislation, and prompt investigations into Elon Musk's SpaceX. President Trump has signaled he could renew Iran strikes after the election, supporting fuel oil prices. The article advises defensive positioning.