Last updated: August 23rd, 2024
This page has the comparisons between Obama vs Nixon across all the metrics we track. President Obama and President Nixon data are no longer in office. Their data has been set to be as equivalent by days in office to make a fair comparison of their performance. This accounts for presidents that had one term vs two terms, or presidents that had a much shortened term.
With respect to cumulative performance, Barack Obama has performed better on 4 out of the 5 metrics we track. President Obama's highest performance difference was on the indicator NASDAQ Index performing 262.26% better than President Nixon. President Obama's lowest performance difference was on Job Growth performing -4.59% worse than President Nixon.
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 Nixon in the stock market? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized performance between Obama and Nixon in the stock market. Cumulatively across the S&P 500, Obama is at 166.28% compared to Nixon at -20.05% a difference of 186.33%. On the NASDAQ, Obama is at 262.26% compared to Nixon at N/A a difference of N/A. Finally, on the DOW Jones, Obama is at 138.28% compared to Nixon at -16.10% a difference of 154.38%.
| Index Cumulative Performance | Barack Obama | Richard Nixon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASDAQ | 262.26% | N/A | N/A |
| DOW | 138.28% | -16.10% | Obama +154.38% |
| S&P | 166.28% | -20.05% | Obama +186.33% |
| Index Annualized Performance | Barack Obama | Richard Nixon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASDAQ | 17.44% | N/A | N/A |
| DOW | 11.46% | -3.11% | Obama +14.57% |
| S&P | 13.01% | -3.95% | Obama +16.96% |
How does Obama compare to Nixon with respect to GDP Growth? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized GDP growth. Cumulatively Obama is at 18.62% compared to Nixon at 14.59% a difference of 4.03%
| GDP | Barack Obama | Richard Nixon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative | 18.62% | 14.59% | Obama +4.03% |
| Annualized | 2.17% | 2.53% | Obama -0.36% |
How does Obama compare to Nixon in non-farm payroll? We share the facts on cumulative and annualized jobs created. Cumulatively Obama is at 8.63% compared to Nixon at 13.22% a difference of -4.59%
| Indicator Cumulative Gain/Loss | Barack Obama | Richard Nixon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative | 8.63% | 13.22% | Obama -4.59% |
| Annualized | 1.05% | 2.27% | Obama -1.22% |
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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