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

Nokia Employees: Investing Beyond Politics

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Nokia Nokia primarily utilizes Aetna, a leading health insurance provider, for its employee healthcare needs. Aetna offers a wide range of health plans designed to fit the diverse needs of Nokia's workforce across various locations. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, influenced by multiple factors impacting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Insurance premiums are expected to escalate by an average of 18% nationally, with some states witnessing hikes over 60%. A critical driver behind this surge is the potential expiration of federal premium subsidies, which currently shield many consumers from high out-of-pocket expenses. Without these subsidies, the affordability of healthcare will be compromised for millions, forcing consumers to reconsider their coverage options and financial strategies in anticipation of these price increases. 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 Nokia 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.

What unique features and benefits does the Nokia Retirement Income Plan offer to its participants, and how can these benefits be maximized by current employees of Nokia of America Corporation? Additionally, what resources are available for employees to educate themselves about the various aspects of the plan, including eligibility, distribution options, and potential tax implications?

The Nokia Retirement Income Plan offers participants a defined benefit plan designed to provide financial security through retirement by supplementing Social Security and other retirement savings. Benefits can be maximized through strategies like ensuring accurate service records, understanding distribution options such as lump-sum payments or annuities, and consulting financial advisors to align these benefits with long-term retirement goals(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How does participation in the Nokia Retirement Income Plan facilitate financial security in retirement for employees, specifically in terms of pension benefit calculations and options such as lump-sum distributions or annuities? Moreover, what are some strategies that Nokia of America Corporation employees can employ to ensure they are fully prepared to utilize their retirement benefits as they transition towards retirement?

Participation in the Nokia Retirement Income Plan ensures financial security in retirement through pension benefit calculations based on service years and salary history. Employees can choose from options like lump-sum distributions or lifetime annuities. By carefully selecting a distribution option and incorporating it into a broader retirement strategy, employees can optimize financial outcomes(Nokia of America Corpor…).

With respect to changes in personal circumstances, such as marriage or divorce, what provisions does the Nokia Retirement Income Plan have to protect the benefits of employees from Nokia of America Corporation? How can employees navigate the complexities of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) within the context of their pension benefits, and what resources are available to assist them in this process?

The Nokia Retirement Income Plan protects benefits in cases of personal changes such as marriage or divorce through provisions like the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Employees can consult the Nokia Benefits Resource Center for assistance in navigating QDROs to ensure a fair division of benefits. Guidance is available for understanding the QDRO requirements and how they apply to their pension(Nokia of America Corpor…).

What steps must employees take to initiate the commencement of their benefits from the Nokia Retirement Income Plan once they reach retirement age? Furthermore, what are the important considerations employees need to keep in mind regarding the selection of a payment form and any potential impact this may have on their overall financial strategy during retirement?

To initiate pension benefits under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, employees must submit a claim when they reach retirement age. They should consider factors such as payment form options (lump sum or annuity) and the impact on long-term financial plans. Choosing the appropriate payment form is critical to maximizing retirement income(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How can employees of Nokia of America Corporation ensure their beneficiaries are properly designated under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, and what implications does this designation have for benefit distribution in the event of their death? Additionally, what steps should employees take to update their beneficiary designations in light of significant life events?

Employees can ensure their beneficiaries are properly designated by updating their beneficiary forms through the Nokia Benefits Resource Center. Proper designation affects how benefits are distributed in the event of their death, and it is crucial to update designations after life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child(Nokia of America Corpor…).

In terms of compliance with federal regulations, how does the Nokia Retirement Income Plan adhere to ERISA guidelines concerning employee benefits, and what rights do employees of Nokia of America Corporation possess under these regulations? Also, how can employees exercise their rights effectively if they encounter issues regarding their pension benefits?

The Nokia Retirement Income Plan complies with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), giving employees the right to receive information about their benefits and hold fiduciaries accountable. If employees face issues with their pension, they can exercise their rights through claims and appeals, with recourse available through legal action if necessary(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How does the Nokia of America Corporation support employees who might be eligible for a disability pension under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, and what specific eligibility criteria must be met? Additionally, what resources are available to assist employees in understanding this facet of their retirement benefits?

Employees eligible for a disability pension under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan must meet specific criteria, such as proving permanent disability before reaching retirement age. Resources like the Nokia Benefits Resource Center can provide guidance on the eligibility process and required documentation(Nokia of America Corpor…).

What specific actions should an employee of Nokia of America Corporation take when applying for a pension benefit under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, and what documentation is typically required to streamline this process? Furthermore, in the event of a claim denial, what recourse do employees have to challenge the decision through the plan's appeal process?

When applying for pension benefits, employees should provide documentation such as proof of age and employment history. In case of a denial, they have the right to appeal through the Employee Benefits Committee. If necessary, employees can further appeal to federal courts under ERISA(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How does the pension benefit guarantee from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) apply to employees of Nokia of America Corporation, and what are the limitations of this guarantee in protecting retirement benefits? Additionally, how can understanding these protections help employees make informed decisions regarding their retirement planning?

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) guarantees benefits under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan in case the plan terminates. However, there are limitations, such as caps on benefit amounts. Understanding these protections helps employees make informed decisions about their retirement planning(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How can employees contact the Nokia Benefits Resource Center to gain more information about their benefits and the specific resources available under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan? What are the recommended communication channels and hours for reaching out to ensure timely and effective assistance?

Employees can contact the Nokia Benefits Resource Center through the Your Benefits Resources (YBR) website or by calling the designated phone line. It is recommended to use these channels during business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET) for timely assistance with pension-related questions(Nokia of America Corpor…).

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

Nokia provides both a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) savings plan. The defined benefit plan includes legacy plans from Alcatel-Lucent and Siemens, providing retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. In 2021, Nokia merged its Retirement Plan (NRP) with the Lucent Technologies Inc. Pension Plan (LTPP) to streamline management. The 401(k) plan offers diverse investment options and company matching contributions.

Operational Efficiency: Nokia is undergoing a restructuring process that includes layoffs affecting about 5,000 employees globally. Strategic Focus: The company is shifting its focus towards 5G technology and network infrastructure (Source: Reuters). Financial Performance: Nokia reported a 7% increase in net sales for Q2 2023, reflecting strong demand for its 5G products (Source: Nokia).

Nokia provides both RSUs and stock options to its employees. RSUs vest over time, converting into shares, while stock options allow employees to buy shares at a set price.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Nokia employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Nokia at 600 mountain avenue Murray Hill, NJ 07974-0636; or by calling them at 972-374-3000.

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