Last updated: May 7th, 2024
This page has the comparisons between Biden vs Reagan across all the metrics we track. Since President Biden is still in office, Biden's performance is still current date and Reagan's performance is for the same equivalent time period in Reagan's presidency.
With respect to cumulative performance, Joe Biden has performed better on 4 out of the 5 metrics we track. President Biden's highest performance difference was on the indicator S & P 500 Index performing 17.88% better than President Reagan. President Biden's lowest performance difference was on NASDAQ Index performing -0.93% worse than President Reagan.
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 Biden compare to Reagan in the stock market? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized performance between Biden and Reagan in the stock market. Cumulatively across the S&P 500, Biden is at 36.56% compared to Reagan at 18.68% a difference of 17.88%. On the NASDAQ, Biden is at 23.76% compared to Reagan at 24.69% a difference of -0.93%. Finally, on the DOW Jones, Biden is at 25.71% compared to Reagan at 20.14% a difference of 5.57%.
| Index Cumulative Performance | Joe Biden | Ronald Reagan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASDAQ | 23.76% | 24.69% | Biden -0.93% |
| DOW | 25.71% | 20.14% | Biden +5.57% |
| S&P | 36.56% | 18.68% | Biden +17.88% |
| Index Annualized Performance | Joe Biden | Ronald Reagan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASDAQ | 6.68% | 6.92% | Biden -0.24% |
| DOW | 7.18% | 5.72% | Biden +1.46% |
| S&P | 9.91% | 5.33% | Biden +4.58% |
How does Biden compare to Reagan with respect to GDP Growth? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized GDP growth. Cumulatively Biden is at 19.29% compared to Reagan at 7.72% a difference of 11.57%
| GDP | Joe Biden | Ronald Reagan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative | 19.29% | 7.72% | Biden +11.57% |
| Annualized | 6.16% | 2.55% | Biden +3.61% |
How does Biden compare to Reagan in non-farm payroll? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized jobs created. Cumulatively Biden is at 10.95% compared to Reagan at 3.03% a difference of 7.92%
| Indicator Cumulative Gain/Loss | Joe Biden | Ronald Reagan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative | 10.95% | 3.03% | Biden +7.92% |
| Annualized | 3.30% | 0.94% | Biden +2.36% |
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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