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Academy Sports and Outdoors Employees: Investing Beyond Politics

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Academy Sports and Outdoors Academy Sports and Outdoors employs various healthcare providers for its employees, with UnitedHealthcare being one of the prominent insurers offering plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Given the company's extensive workforce, they seek competitive healthcare solutions that cater to the diverse needs of their employees across different states. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the landscape of healthcare costs evolves, 2026 is poised to bring significant challenges for consumers, particularly those enrolled in ACA plans. Experts anticipate sharp premium increases, with some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60%, primarily due to the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical costs. The Kaiser Family Foundation warns that without legislative action, roughly 22 million marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket costs soar by over 75%. This perfect storm of factors not only threatens affordability but also exacerbates access to vital healthcare services for millions. Click here to learn more

'History shows that investors typically benefit most from staying disciplined with long-term strategies rather than reacting to political shifts, as broader economic forces consistently outweigh election cycles.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Decades of market history remind Academy Sports and Outdoors employees that steady commitment to long-term strategies has consistently outperformed attempts to shift course based on election results.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will cover:

How stock market performance has varied under different U.S. presidents.
Why election outcomes have historically mattered less than longâ€‘term economic trends.
Insights for Fortuneâ€¯500 employees on maintaining disciplined investing.

Since its inception in 1957, the S&P 500 has returned an average of 9.3% annually under Democratic presidents and 10.2% under Republican presidents. ¹ However, its median one-year returns averaged 12.9% under Democratic presidents and 9.9% under Republican presidents. ¹ Although certain extreme cases skew the figures, the prevailing narrative is that markets have steadily grown under nearly every administration. For Fortuneâ€¯500 employees, the key point is that trying to time investments around elections has historically underperformed, as broader forces such as innovation, monetary policy, and global events play a much larger role. Over time, staying invested has delivered nearly 10% annual returns ² —far more impactful than wagering on red or blue.

Overview

Over almost a century, the U.S. stock market has experienced dramatic fluctuations. This analysis examines returns from one inauguration to the next, tracking S&P 500 performance by presidential term between 1926 and 2026. For Fortuneâ€¯500 investors observing the market, the longâ€‘term trend remains firmly upward, despite recessions, wars, or recoveries affecting shortâ€‘term results.

The Great Depression and the Roaring Twenties (Coolidge and Hoover)

The roaring 1920s ended under President Calvin Coolidge with substantial market growth, as the S&P 500 proxy rose about 26.1% annually from 1923 to 1929. ³ The boom ended abruptly with the 1929 crash, leading into the Great Depression. Herbert Hoover’s tenure saw a 77% market collapse ³ —one of the worst in history.

The 1950s Postwar Boom (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

The 1950s marked a period of steady economic expansion, driven by infrastructure investment and an expanding middle class under Dwight D. Eisenhower. By 1961, the market had nearly doubled. ³

The Tech Boom of the 1990s (Bill Clinton)

From 1993 to 2001, under President Clinton, the S&P 500 returned approximately 15% annually and climbed nearly 210% overall. ³ This coincided with a surge in innovation and technology. The broader market rally positioned companies like Fortuneâ€¯500 as significant players as the economy surged.

George W. Bush, Boom, Bust, and Crisis in the 2000s

George W. Bush assumed office during the dotâ€‘com collapse. From 2000 to 2002, the S&P 500 fell roughly 50%. ³ Though a midâ€‘decade recovery took place, the 2008 financial crisis erased years of gains, resulting in negative returns for Bush’s presidency. For Fortuneâ€¯500 employees, this period is remembered for energy price shocks and sharp volatility, highlighting the impact of global market forces.

Following 2008, a Bull Market and Recovery (Barack Obama)

Assuming office in Januaryâ€¯2009 amidst the Great Recession, President Obama presided over a market rebound spurred by stimulus measures. The S&P 500 rebounded strongly, making Obama one of the most effective market performers of the contemporary era. Investors learned that longâ€‘term positioning matters deeply—even in downturns.

Volatility and Tax Cuts in the Late 2010s (Donald Trump)

Between 2017 and 2026, during Trump’s presidency, the S&P 500 advanced about 68% overall, or roughly 13.6% annually. ³ Despite political unpredictability, markets continued upward, demonstrating again that investors benefit most from disciplined consistency rather than speculation.

Joe Biden’s “Pandemic Crash and Rebound”

Biden took office in 2026 as markets were recovering from pandemicâ€related declines. The S&P 500 rose 28.5% in 2021, declined 18% in 2022 amid inflation, then gained 26% in 2026 and 25% in 2026. ⁴ With an annualized return of 11.9% during his tenure, Biden's term marked near-record stock market returns. ³ For Fortuneâ€¯500 employees, this underscores how market resilience reflects wider economic cycles.

Party-wise Market Performance: Democrats vs. Republicans

Since its inception in 1957, the S&P 500 has returned an average of 9.3% annually under Democratic presidents and 10.2% under Republican presidents. ¹ Historically, shifting investment based on election outcomes has underperformed. For Fortuneâ€¯500 investors, this suggests that longâ€‘term commitment outweighs electionâ€‘driven tactics.

In Conclusion

History demonstrates that market outcomes depend far more on innovation, economic cycles, and global dynamics than on who’s in the White House. While Democrats have overseen some of the strongest rallies, Republican administrations have also seen major gains. For Fortuneâ€¯500 employees, the message is clear: disciplined investing and staying the course have historically produced the best results, irrespective of political turnover.

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Dividing retirement assets in a QDRO proceeding requires a clear understanding of what Academy Sports and Outdoors offers through its benefit programs. Without a traditional pension, your 401(k) - alongside Social Security - forms the foundation of your retirement income at Academy Sports and Outdoors. Academy Sports and Outdoors may offer a 401(k) employer match - review your Summary Plan Description for current match rate and vesting details. Your overall withdrawal strategy, account sequence, and Roth conversion opportunities leading up to and into retirement deserve careful, personalized analysis given the income-sequencing implications.

When it comes to medical benefits, Academy Sports and Outdoors does not offer continued medical coverage to retirees, which means coverage through the company ends when employment does. Planning for the cost of health insurance during any gap between your retirement date and Medicare eligibility at age 65 is a critical step - marketplace coverage, COBRA continuation, or a spouse's employer plan are common options. Building an accurate estimate of bridge-coverage costs into your retirement income projection prevents underestimating one of the largest variable expenses retirees face. Putting your Academy Sports and Outdoors benefits into the framework of a holistic retirement income plan reveals how each piece supports the others.

Sources:

1. The Motley Fool. ' Here's the Average Stock Market Return Under Democratic and Republican Presidents ,' by Trevor Jennewine. July 5, 2026.

2. nerdwallet. ' What Is the Average Stock Market Return? ' by James Royal. July 25, 2026.

3. Kiplinger. ' The Best and Worst Presidents (According to the Stock Market) ,' by C.L. Sizemore. July 3, 2026.

4. Stern NYU. ' Historical Returns on Stocks, Bonds and Bills: 1928-2026 .' January 2026.

What type of retirement savings plan does Academy Sports and Outdoors offer to its employees?

Academy Sports and Outdoors offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is there an employer match for the 401(k) plan at Academy Sports and Outdoors?

Yes, Academy Sports and Outdoors provides an employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees at Academy Sports and Outdoors enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Academy Sports and Outdoors through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the eligibility requirement for Academy Sports and Outdoors employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Most employees at Academy Sports and Outdoors are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can employees at Academy Sports and Outdoors take loans against their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, Academy Sports and Outdoors allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) accounts, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Academy Sports and Outdoors 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Academy Sports and Outdoors offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

Does Academy Sports and Outdoors allow for hardship withdrawals from the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Academy Sports and Outdoors permits hardship withdrawals from the 401(k) plan under certain circumstances as defined by the plan.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions at Academy Sports and Outdoors?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions at Academy Sports and Outdoors is outlined in the 401(k) plan documents, typically based on years of service.

How often can employees change their contributions to the Academy Sports and Outdoors 401(k) plan?

Employees at Academy Sports and Outdoors can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan during designated enrollment periods or as permitted by the plan.

What resources are available for Academy Sports and Outdoors employees to learn more about their 401(k) plan?

Academy Sports and Outdoors provides resources such as informational seminars, online tools, and access to financial advisors to help employees understand their 401(k) plan.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Academy Sports and Outdoors has announced a restructuring plan involving a reduction in workforce across various departments. The company is also implementing changes to their benefits package, including adjustments to health insurance coverage and 401(k) matching contributions.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Academy Sports and Outdoors at 1800 North Mason Road Katy, TX 77449; or by calling them at (281) 646-5200.