S&P 500
The benchmark for the US stock market.
Latest chart data is still available below.
Chart temporarily unavailable
Price data could not be loaded right now. Try a different range or refresh the page.
Start here
What it is
A stock market index that tracks 500 of the largest US companies, often used as shorthand for the US stock market as a whole.
Why it matters
It is the most common benchmark for US stocks and the foundation of many index funds, so its direction reflects how large American companies are doing overall.
How investors use it
Many investors get exposure through a low-cost index fund or ETF that holds the whole index, rather than buying each company one by one.
What is the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 is a stock market index tracking 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States, maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices. It is widely considered the single best gauge of large-cap US equities and the health of the broader American economy.
The index is market-cap weighted, meaning the biggest companies (Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Alphabet) carry the most influence. Companies are selected by committee based on market capitalization, liquidity, sector representation, and consistent profitability. Each must have at least $18 billion in market cap to qualify.
Over the past century, the S&P 500 has delivered average annual returns of roughly 10% before inflation, making it the foundation for most long-term passive investing strategies. It powers some of the world's most popular ETFs, including Vanguard's VOO and State Street's SPY.
Why investors watch it
- Serves as the benchmark against which most investment portfolios and funds are measured
- Powers the world's most popular index funds. A single ETF gives exposure to 500 companies across 11 sectors
- Historically averaged roughly 10% annual returns over long periods, the gold standard for passive investors
- Reflects the earnings health of American corporations across every major sector of the economy
- When the S&P 500 rises, it generally signals that US corporate earnings and economic conditions are improving
Quick Stats
Latest available data
For educational reference only. Not financial advice.
Related learning
Plain-English concepts, tools, and guides connected to S&P 500.
Related reading
Why Index Funds Beat Most of What Wall Street Sells
The financial industry earns more when investors buy complex products. Index funds undercut that model. Here's why they consistently outperform most alternatives.
The 5 Investing Habits Every Beginner Should Build
Most new investors focus on picking stocks. The real edge is building systems. Here are the five habits that compound over time and separate consistent investors from everyone else.
Dollar-Cost Averaging: Why Boring Is the Most Powerful Strategy
DCA won't make you rich overnight. That's kind of the whole point. Here's how steady, consistent investing quietly builds life-changing wealth.
Related on Money Masters
Educational content only: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market data shown may be delayed and is provided for reference only. Always conduct your own research and consult a licensed financial professional before making investment decisions.