This week the Republicans have been demanding change. So, I thought I would post, over the next few weeks, a moderate’s view of the facts and determine what it is they want to change. I thought I would start with the stock markets.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was at 7949 on the day Obama took office. It is now at about 18,500. That is an increase of about 230%. Even before the recent leap, the market had doubled during Obama’s term.
To compare, the DJIA fell under George Bush II by over 25% in his eight years.
It rose by 326% under Bill Clinton, 145% under Bush I, and 235% under President Reagan.
Based on that, the market has performed during President Obama’s time in office about as well as it did during renowned Republican Ronald Reagan’s eight years. Of course Bill Clinton wins this one big.
But that is just one market. Let’s look at a couple of others.
The S&P 500 is up about 250% under Obama.
It fell by over 35% under Bush II.
The S&P rose by over 300% under Clinton, 153% under Bush I, and 214% under Reagan.
Again, the S&P’s performance during President Obama’s tenure, at least to this point, rivals any of our previous four presidents. President Clinton wins again.
The NASDAQ has risen over 300% in the eight years President Obama has been in charge. That is the best performance of any of his four predecessors. Obama wins this one pretty handily.
It dropped by 17% under Bush II.
It rose 250% during Clinton, 170% under Bush I and 232% under Reagan.
So, is the change the Republicans desire to go back to a slower growth in the stock markets or even a decrease over eight years?
Just wondering.
Author of five novels available on Amazon, numerous articles and other commentary.