Last updated: May 3rd, 2024
This page has the comparisons between Obama vs Biden across all the metrics we track. Since President Biden is still in office, Biden's performance is still current date and Obama's performance is for the same equivalent time period in Obama's presidency.
With respect to cumulative performance, Barack Obama has performed better on 3 out of the 5 metrics we track. President Obama's highest performance difference was on the indicator NASDAQ Index performing 75.33% better than President Biden. President Obama's lowest performance difference was on GDP performing -12.87% worse than President Biden.
We highly recommend you read this article as well prior: What's the best way to interpret the facts and data on Facts First?
How does Obama compare to Biden in the stock market? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized performance between Obama and Biden in the stock market. Cumulatively across the S&P 500, Obama is at 63.69% compared to Biden at 34.98% a difference of 28.71%. On the NASDAQ, Obama is at 97.75% compared to Biden at 22.42% a difference of 75.33%. Finally, on the DOW Jones, Obama is at 59.48% compared to Biden at 25.04% a difference of 34.44%.
| Index Cumulative Performance | Barack Obama | Joe Biden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASDAQ | 97.75% | 22.42% | Obama +75.33% |
| DOW | 59.48% | 25.04% | Obama +34.44% |
| S&P | 63.69% | 34.98% | Obama +28.71% |
| Index Annualized Performance | Barack Obama | Joe Biden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASDAQ | 23.05% | 6.35% | Obama +16.70% |
| DOW | 15.25% | 7.03% | Obama +8.22% |
| S&P | 16.17% | 9.55% | Obama +6.62% |
How does Obama compare to Biden with respect to GDP Growth? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized GDP growth. Cumulatively Obama is at 6.42% compared to Biden at 19.29% a difference of -12.87%
| GDP | Barack Obama | Joe Biden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative | 6.42% | 19.29% | Obama -12.87% |
| Annualized | 2.13% | 6.16% | Obama -4.03% |
How does Obama compare to Biden in non-farm payroll? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized jobs created. Cumulatively Obama is at -0.16% compared to Biden at 10.95% a difference of -11.11%
| Indicator Cumulative Gain/Loss | Barack Obama | Joe Biden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative | -0.16% | 10.95% | Obama -11.11% |
| Annualized | -0.05% | 3.30% | Obama -3.35% |
We capture the data as soon as it’s available to us – stock market data after daily market close, jobs data once a month and GDP data once a quarter. After verifying the raw data, we then calculate updated cumulative and annualized performance data for the current president (the data for previous presidents have been calculated and verified in advance).
Some metrics are measured daily (like stock market performance), monthly (like jobs growth) and quarterly (like GDP growth). We start measurement of performance for a president from the first full time period after their inauguration. For stock market performance, it is the first stock market day in office. For jobs growth, it’s either first full calendar month in office (so if you are inaugurated in the middle of January, the first full month is February). This ensures a consistent starting point across all presidencies.
Also, read these articles in our Learning Center:
- What is the difference between cumulative and annualized performance?
- What’s the best way to interpret the facts and data on Facts First?
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