Justice Samuel Alito’s August 2026 statement that he intends to serve another full term has anchored trader expectations against a U.S. Supreme Court vacancy in 2026. At age 76, Alito directly addressed and dismissed earlier speculation fueled by a retracted June report, aligning with the absence of retirement signals from the other eight justices, including 78-year-old Clarence Thomas. No official announcements, health disclosures, or Senate procedural changes have emerged to suggest an opening before year-end, leaving the nine-member court intact. Midterm Senate dynamics remain a longer-term factor for any future confirmation but have not prompted departures in the current calendar year.