New Update: Rising Oil Costs are Affecting Retirement Plans. Will you be impacted?

ADT Employees: Investing Beyond Politics

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for ADT: ADT primarily partners with major health insurance providers to offer its employees comprehensive healthcare coverage. Among these providers are UnitedHealthcare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, both of which are known for their extensive networks and various plan options that cater to different healthcare needs. Healthcare Cost Increases for 2026: In 2026, health insurance premiums for plans obtained through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are poised for significant increases, with many states projecting hikes that could exceed 60%. Factors contributing to this surge include rising medical costs and the anticipated expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, which could result in over 22 million marketplace enrollees facing out-of-pocket premium increases of up to 75%. As leading insurers report substantial earnings, ADT employees considering their healthcare options in 2026 should prepare for a financial landscape that may demand strategic planning to mitigate rising costs. 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 ADT 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Dividing retirement assets in a QDRO proceeding requires a clear understanding of what ADT offers through its benefit programs. As an employee, you should know that ADT maintains an active defined benefit pension plan, which means eligible employees continue to accrue benefits based on years of service and compensation. If you are eligible for a lump sum payout, IRS Section 417(e) segment rates determine how the future annuity stream converts to a present-value payment - rising rates compress the lump sum, so monitoring the plan's stability period and lookback month is critical before you lock in your election date. The choice between a single-life annuity, a joint-and-survivor option, or a lump sum (where available) is generally irrevocable once made, and timing that decision relative to interest rate conditions can meaningfully affect your retirement income picture.

Moving to the healthcare dimension, ADT provides continued medical coverage to eligible retirees, which can bridge the gap between retirement and Medicare eligibility at age 65 or serve as a supplement to Medicare thereafter. Confirming the service and age requirements for retiree coverage, and understanding your premium contribution, is an important step in building an accurate healthcare cost projection. Coordinating ADT's retiree coverage with Medicare Part B and Part D enrollment timing can also reduce duplication and avoid late-enrollment penalties. Aligning your ADT benefits with a well-structured retirement income plan helps you see exactly how every piece fits together.

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 is the ADT 401(k) Savings Plan?

The ADT 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.

Who is eligible to participate in ADT's 401(k) Savings Plan?

All full-time employees of ADT are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Savings Plan after completing a specified period of service.

How can I enroll in ADT's 401(k) Savings Plan?

You can enroll in ADT's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the ADT employee benefits website or contacting HR for assistance.

What types of contributions can I make to ADT's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does ADT match contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, ADT offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which is designed to help employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for ADT's 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for ADT's matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, where employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.

Can I take a loan from my ADT 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, ADT allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan document.

What happens to my ADT 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave ADT, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, leaving it with ADT, or cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties).

How often can I change my contribution rate to ADT's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their contribution rate to ADT's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

Are there investment options available in ADT's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, ADT's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

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

This news is crucial as it indicates ADT's focus on reducing debt and optimizing operations, which can impact their financial stability and investor confidence in a volatile economic environment (ADT Investor).