How can we understand the differences between the Dow Jones Index and the S&P 500? How can we analyze and comprehend the distinctions between the Dow Jones Index and the S&P 500? Many people interested in index trading do not understand how to trade these products. So, how can we provide a detailed introduction to the differences between the Dow Jones Index and the S&P 500 Index?
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Dow Jones Index
The Dow Jones Index refers to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), the most influential and widely used stock price index in the world. It is composed of four stock price averages, based on a selection of representative companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Dow Jones Index includes many well-known multinational corporations such as Nike, Kraft, Boeing, Citigroup, DuPont, General Electric, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, McDonald's, Goldman Sachs, Apple, Procter & Gamble, and Walmart. -
Nasdaq 100 Index (NASDAQ)
As the primary index of the Nasdaq, the Nasdaq 100 consists of 100 component stocks, all characterized by high technology, high growth, and non-financial attributes, making it a representative index of U.S. tech stocks. Notably, the strong performance of these high-growth stocks in the Nasdaq 100 Index stems from their endogenous growth, particularly through innovative business practices, rather than external factors like asset injections.
Looking at the top 10 weighted components of the Nasdaq 100 Index, most are high-tech companies, with a significant portion from the computer industry. The heaviest-weighted stock is Apple, followed by other renowned companies such as Microsoft, Google, Cisco, and Intel.
The Nasdaq Index is also referred to as the U.S. growth enterprise market index.
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S&P 500 Index
The S&P 500 Index, introduced by McGraw Hill in the U.S., selects 500 stocks from the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange, and over-the-counter markets. These include 400 industrial stocks, 40 utility stocks, 40 financial stocks, and 20 transportation stocks. The index is weighted by market capitalization, with a base value of 10 set during the 1941–1943 period. It was later promoted by S&P in 1957. The index is calculated using a weighted average method, with the number of listed shares as the weighting factor, based on the base period.
To understand the differences between these indices, it is essential to study the products thoroughly. Choosing a reliable broker can facilitate better trading. Understanding market trends can also enhance trading performance for these products.