jordan pulse -

Projections from Edison Research Republican candidate Donald Trump gaining a lead over Democrat Kamala Harris in the critical swing state of North Carolina, moving him closer to an unexpected political comeback.

As vote counting continues, Trump has secured 267 electoral votes compared to Harris's 224, with 270 needed to win. Decision Desk estimates also suggest Trump may win Georgia, further pressuring Harris, who would need victories in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, though she currently trails in all three.

Driven by economic concerns, a large share of voters favored Trump, with 31% citing the economy as their main issue and 45% reporting their financial situation is worse than four years ago.

U.S. stock futures, the dollar, Treasury yields, and Bitcoin all rose, as early results were interpreted by investors as favoring Trump.