S&P 500
SP500 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
6,345.06
Year-over-Year Change
0.63%
Date Range
10/7/2021 - 8/6/2025
Summary
The S&P 500 is a market-capitalization-weighted index tracking the performance of 500 large publicly traded U.S. companies. It serves as a key benchmark for overall U.S. stock market health and economic performance.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This index represents a broad cross-section of the U.S. equity market, encompassing companies from diverse sectors and industries. Economists and investors use it as a critical indicator of corporate performance and economic trends.
Methodology
The index is calculated using a weighted average of the market capitalization of its constituent companies, with periodic rebalancing to maintain representativeness.
Historical Context
The S&P 500 is extensively used by policymakers, investors, and analysts to assess economic conditions, investment strategies, and market sentiment.
Key Facts
- Includes 500 leading U.S. companies across multiple economic sectors
- Represents approximately 80% of available market capitalization
- Widely considered the best representation of the U.S. stock market
FAQs
Q: How often is the S&P 500 composition updated?
A: The index is reviewed quarterly, with changes made to maintain its representativeness of the U.S. large-cap equity market.
Q: What sectors are included in the S&P 500?
A: The index covers 11 major sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, communication services, and industrial companies.
Q: How can investors track the S&P 500?
A: Investors can track the index through mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and index-based investment products.
Q: Why is the S&P 500 important for economic analysis?
A: It provides a comprehensive snapshot of U.S. corporate performance and serves as a leading indicator of economic health and market trends.
Q: What are the limitations of the S&P 500?
A: The index is limited to large-cap U.S. companies and may not fully represent smaller companies or international markets.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, S&P 500 [SP500], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025