Justice Samuel Alito’s statements and timing considerations shape trader views on any near-term retirement announcement. At age 76, the justice told the Wall Street Journal in an August 7, 2026 interview that he is “here for another term,” directly addressing speculation that followed an erroneous late-June NPR report of his departure. Earlier reporting indicated he had no plans to step down during 2026, despite informal pressure from some conservatives seeking a replacement nomination while Republicans hold the White House and a Senate majority. Markets price very low probabilities for announcements before September 1, 2026 and place moderate odds on a departure before January 2027, reflecting the justice’s public stance alongside historical patterns of Supreme Court retirements near age 80 and the political value of a vacancy during unified Republican control. The next Court term begins in October, with midterm elections later that year potentially altering Senate dynamics.