Justice Samuel Alito’s public statements have shaped trader views on any near-term retirement announcement. In an August 2026 Wall Street Journal interview, the 76-year-old justice explicitly stated he is serving another full term, directly addressing speculation that followed a retracted NPR report from late June. That erroneous story briefly fueled market activity before the retraction and Alito’s clarification cooled expectations. The Court’s next term begins in October and runs through June or July 2027, with Senate Republicans holding a majority that would oversee any confirmation process. Historical patterns show justices often time departures to align with favorable administrations, yet Alito has signaled continuity absent new health or institutional developments that could alter the timeline.