New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

ExxonMobil Employees: Investing Beyond Politics

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for ExxonMobil For the upcoming year, ExxonMobil's primary healthcare provider is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). Effective from January 1, 2025, employees and their families will access healthcare through BCBSTX, ensuring improved network access and support for managing healthcare costs. Prescription drug services will continue to be provided by Express Scripts. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, ExxonMobil may experience significant healthcare cost increases, paralleling broader trends in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. With some states projecting premium hikes of over 60% and the potential loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies, many employees could see their out-of-pocket costs escalate dramatically. The Kaiser Family Foundation has highlighted that without congressional action, most marketplace enrollees might face increases exceeding 75%. These combined pressures will necessitate careful planning and strategic healthcare decisions from ExxonMobil employees going into 2026. 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 ExxonMobil 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 long‑term economic trends.
Insights for Fortune 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 Fortune 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 2024. For Fortune 500 investors observing the market, the long‑term trend remains firmly upward, despite recessions, wars, or recoveries affecting short‑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 Fortune 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 dot‑com collapse. From 2000 to 2002, the S&P 500 fell roughly 50%. ³ Though a mid‑decade recovery took place, the 2008 financial crisis erased years of gains, resulting in negative returns for Bush’s presidency. For Fortune 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 January 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 long‑term positioning matters deeply—even in downturns.

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

Between 2017 and 2021, 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 2021 as markets were recovering from pandemic‐related declines. The S&P 500 rose 28.5% in 2021, declined 18% in 2022 amid inflation, then gained 26% in 2023 and 25% in 2024. ⁴ With an annualized return of 11.9% during his tenure, Biden's term marked near-record stock market returns. ³ For Fortune 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 Fortune 500 investors, this suggests that long‑term commitment outweighs election‑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 Fortune 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:

Sources:

1. The Motley Fool. ' Here's the Average Stock Market Return Under Democratic and Republican Presidents ,' by Trevor Jennewine. July 5, 2024.

2. nerdwallet. ' What Is the Average Stock Market Return? ' by James Royal. July 25, 2025.

3. Kiplinger. ' The Best and Worst Presidents (According to the Stock Market) ,' by C.L. Sizemore. July 3, 2025.

4. Stern NYU. ' Historical Returns on Stocks, Bonds and Bills: 1928-2024 .' January 2025.

How does the ExxonMobil Savings Plan compare against typical retirement savings plans, and what unique features does it offer that can benefit employees approaching retirement? Additionally, can you elaborate on the necessary steps ExxonMobil employees should take within the savings plan to ensure maximum contributions and employer match during their service years?

ExxonMobil Savings Plan: ExxonMobil's Savings Plan offers flexibility with pre-tax, after-tax, and Roth contributions, and features a 7% company match for the first 6% of employee contributions, a unique benefit compared to typical plans. Employees should contribute the maximum percentage to receive the full match and regularly review their investment allocations through the Voya platform(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).

What are the eligibility criteria for employees to participate in the ExxonMobil Pension Plan, and how is the retirement benefit calculated? As employees consider their long-term savings strategy, how does the option of a lump-sum distribution versus an annuity influence their financial planning at ExxonMobil?

ExxonMobil Pension Plan: Employees are automatically enrolled and eligible for benefits after five years of service, with full retirement benefits offered at 55 with 15 years of service. The pension is calculated based on 1.6% of final average pay multiplied by years of service, minus a social security offset. Lump-sum and annuity options affect long-term financial planning, with lump sums offering immediate flexibility while annuities provide a steady income(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).

In what ways does the ExxonMobil Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support employees during personal or family crises, and what confidentiality measures are in place to protect their privacy? Additionally, how can ExxonMobil employees access these services, and what are the key resources available through this program?

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ExxonMobil's EAP provides confidential counseling services for personal and family issues like anxiety, addiction, and family conflict. Services are accessible by phone, video chat, or text, with privacy strictly protected. Employees can contact ComPsych for guidance and support through the GuidanceNow app or website(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).

With the introduction of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) at ExxonMobil, how do these accounts help employees manage their health care and dependent care expenses more effectively? What guidelines should employees follow to ensure they maximize their tax advantages while complying with IRS regulations during the enrollment process?

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): FSAs at ExxonMobil allow employees to reduce taxable income by contributing pre-tax dollars to healthcare or dependent care expenses. Employees should estimate their expenses carefully during the enrollment period and comply with IRS rules, ensuring they submit claims by April 15th of the following year(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).

How does ExxonMobil define "work-life balance," and what specific benefits and programs are in place to support this philosophy for employees? Can you discuss how employees can utilize these options, such as flexible schedules and leave of absence policies, without negatively impacting their career progression within the company?

Work-Life Balance: ExxonMobil promotes work-life balance with programs like “Flex Your Day,” allowing flexibility in work hours, and up to 20 days of back-up dependent care. Employees are encouraged to use these options strategically to maintain career progression while balancing personal obligations(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).

In light of the various medical plan options offered at ExxonMobil, how should employees approach selecting the right plan to best meet their healthcare needs? What factors should they consider, including family health history and financial implications, when making their decisions?

Medical Plan Selection: ExxonMobil offers Aetna POS II and network-only options, allowing employees to choose between plans based on cost, coverage, and provider access. Employees should assess their family's healthcare needs, financial situation, and preferred providers when selecting the most appropriate plan(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).

For ExxonMobil employees nearing retirement, what resources are available to help them understand the nuances of health benefits coordination through Medicare and their ExxonMobil coverage? How can they best navigate this transition, and what checkpoints should they be aware of to ensure they remain compliant with company policies during retirement?

Retirement Health Benefits and Medicare: ExxonMobil offers resources to help employees coordinate health benefits with Medicare upon retirement. Employees nearing retirement should explore their options through the Your Total Rewards portal and ensure compliance with company policies during the transition(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).

What financial education resources does ExxonMobil provide to employees to promote informed decision-making about their retirement savings and benefits? Can you detail how programs like the Financial Fitness Program enable employees to strategically manage their finances and plan for retirement?

Financial Education Resources: ExxonMobil's Financial Fitness Program, provided in collaboration with Ernst & Young, helps employees manage their finances with resources such as EY Navigate and personalized financial planning. This program supports informed decision-making about retirement and savings strategies(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).

As part of the benefits provided by ExxonMobil, how does the company facilitate employee participation in volunteer programs and charitable activities through the ExxonMobil Foundation? How can employees engage with these initiatives while also balancing their work commitments?

Volunteer Programs: Through the ExxonMobil Foundation, employees can engage in charitable activities via the Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP), which offers grants to nonprofits based on time spent volunteering. Participation in these programs is flexible, enabling employees to balance work commitments with volunteer efforts(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).

How can ExxonMobil employees get in touch with benefits representatives to address specific questions about their retirement and savings plans? What are the recommended channels and best times to reach out for assistance to ensure they receive timely and relevant information about their options?

Contacting Benefits Representatives: Employees can reach out to the ExxonMobil Benefits Service Center at 833-776-9966 during business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST) for assistance with retirement and savings plan questions. The Your Total Rewards portal also offers 24/7 access for reviewing and managing benefits(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).

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

ExxonMobil offers a traditional defined benefit pension plan that provides a monthly retirement benefit. Employees can choose between a lump-sum payment or a monthly annuity. The plan calculates benefits based on final average pay and years of service.

Layoffs and Restructuring: ExxonMobil announced plans to lay off approximately 1,900 employees in 2024 as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. These layoffs are aimed at improving cost efficiency and adapting to market changes amidst fluctuating oil prices (Sources: MarketScreener, Nasdaq). Facility Closures: The company is closing its Clinton, New Jersey facility, leading to the loss of hundreds of jobs. Most affected employees are being offered roles at the Houston headquarters (Source: ROI-NJ). Operational Strategy: The restructuring is part of ExxonMobil's broader strategy to consolidate its North American research and technology operations in Houston, which is expected to enhance research capabilities and drive long-term growth (Source: ROI-NJ).

ExxonMobil provides RSUs that vest over time, offering employees shares upon vesting. They also grant stock options, allowing employees to buy shares at a set price.

ExxonMobil offers a comprehensive benefits package that addresses a wide range of employee needs. For 2023, the company continued to provide robust health insurance options, including various medical, dental, and vision plans. These plans offer extensive coverage for preventive care, major dental services, and comprehensive vision care, including allowances for lenses and frames or contact lenses. Notably, the medical plans also cover telemedicine services, second opinion services, and enhanced fertility benefits. This reflects ExxonMobil's commitment to ensuring its employees have access to high-quality healthcare options that cater to their specific needs. In 2024, ExxonMobil has introduced several enhancements to its benefits offerings. The Employee Health Advisory Program provides professional counseling services for mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and family conflicts, in a confidential environment. Additionally, the company continues to support employees through a pre-tax spending plan, allowing them to make tax-free contributions to cover eligible health care and dependent care expenses. These benefits are particularly relevant in today's economic and political climate, where managing healthcare costs and ensuring mental well-being are critical. ExxonMobil's focus on comprehensive and flexible healthcare benefits underscores its commitment to supporting the overall well-being of its employees.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for ExxonMobil employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for ExxonMobil at p.o .box 64111 Spring, TX 77387-4111; or by calling them at 832-624-6731.

https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23