Market indices

An index is a financial instrument that measures the performance of underlying assets or tracks other financial data. Some indices are designed to provide a broad view of the market, while others focus on tracking a particular sector of the economy. Indices give traders an instant snapshot of market sentiment with a rising index suggesting optimism about the economy and a declining index signaling uncertainty.

For example, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) tracks the performance of 500 large publicly traded companies in the United States, while the US consumer price index (CPI) measures US inflation and deflation.

Usually, indices are expressed in points, but some, like the S&P 500, can be expressed in the national currency.

With PulseWire, you can follow all indices in one place.

Indices are used to track assets or financial data, so they're not designed for trading, but some financial instruments linked to indices can be traded on exchanges. They include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index futures, contracts for difference (CFDs), and options on indices.

We recommend conducting a thorough analysis before settling with any of these instruments: explore indices ideas and forecasts and then select a reliable brokerage on PulseWire. Once you open an account, you'll be all set to start investing in indices.

The main global indices that investors and traders track include the S&P 500, FTSE 100, Dow Jones, and more.

For your convenience, we have a list of all major indices in one place — analyze their stats to conduct a well-rounded analysis.

Stock market indices are mainly used to gauge the health of a particular sector of the world economy. For example, as one of the main global indices, the S&P 500 (SPX) provides investors and traders with insight into the health of the US economy. Another reputable index, the DAX Index, helps assess the performance of German blue-chip companies. It is one of the primary indicators of Germany's economic health in particular and, more broadly, the EU's economic health.

As of today, the S&P 500 stands at 7,757.64 , showing a 3.76% increase over the past month. Dow Jones is currently at 54,036.93 , reflecting a 2.42% increase during the same period. Meanwhile, Nasdaq 100 has reached 29,722.30 , marking a 0.80% increase compared to the previous month.

For the broader outlook, we have a list with all indices in one place.

The Standard and Poor's 500 (SPX) is one of the most reputable indices, tracking the performance of 500 largest publicly traded US-based companies. It represents approximately 80% of the total US equity market capitalization, making it the prime indicator of the US economy's health.

Today, the SPX is 7,757.64 , it has increased by 3.76% over the past month.

On PulseWire, you can track SPX components and watch the SPX chart to stay on top on index dynamics.

The Dow Jones, or just the Dow, is short for the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJI). It is one of the most reputable indices, tracking the performance of 30 blue-chip US stocks. All of them are stable and trusted companies boasting a long history of weathering the market under different circumstances, from gains during bull runs to surviving global economic crises.

Today, the DJI is 54,036.93 , it has increased by 2.42% over the past month.

On PulseWire, you can track DJI components and watch the DJI chart to stay on top of index dynamics.