Last updated: May 2nd, 2024
This page has the comparisons between Reagan vs Biden 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, Ronald Reagan has performed better on 1 out of the 5 metrics we track. President Reagan's highest performance difference was on the indicator NASDAQ Index performing 5.48% better than President Biden. President Reagan's lowest performance difference was on S & P 500 Index performing -12.82% 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 Reagan compare to Biden in the stock market? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized performance between Reagan and Biden in the stock market. Cumulatively across the S&P 500, Reagan is at 20.49% compared to Biden at 33.31% a difference of -12.82%. On the NASDAQ, Reagan is at 25.51% compared to Biden at 20.03% a difference of 5.48%. Finally, on the DOW Jones, Reagan is at 22.20% compared to Biden at 23.59% a difference of -1.38%.
| Index Cumulative Performance | Ronald Reagan | Joe Biden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASDAQ | 25.51% | 20.03% | Reagan +5.48% |
| DOW | 22.20% | 23.59% | Reagan -1.38% |
| S&P | 20.49% | 33.31% | Reagan -12.82% |
| Index Annualized Performance | Ronald Reagan | Joe Biden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASDAQ | 7.16% | 5.72% | Reagan +1.45% |
| DOW | 6.29% | 6.66% | Reagan -0.37% |
| S&P | 5.84% | 9.15% | Reagan -3.31% |
How does Reagan compare to Biden with respect to GDP Growth? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized GDP growth. Cumulatively Reagan is at 7.72% compared to Biden at 19.29% a difference of -11.57%
| GDP | Ronald Reagan | Joe Biden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative | 7.72% | 19.29% | Reagan -11.57% |
| Annualized | 2.55% | 6.16% | Reagan -3.61% |
How does Reagan compare to Biden in non-farm payroll? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized jobs created. Cumulatively Reagan is at 2.63% compared to Biden at 10.84% a difference of -8.21%
| Indicator Cumulative Gain/Loss | Ronald Reagan | Joe Biden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative | 2.63% | 10.84% | Reagan -8.21% |
| Annualized | 0.84% | 3.36% | Reagan -2.52% |
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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