S&P 500

The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. It is widely regarded as one of the best representations of the U.S. stock market and economy. The index includes companies from various sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods, making it a comprehensive gauge of market performance. The S&P 500 is important because it serves as a benchmark for many investment portfolios and mutual funds. Investors and financial professionals use it to gauge the health of the stock market, make investment decisions, and compare the performance of individual stocks or portfolios against the broader market. # What is S&P 500? ## Composition and Sectors ## Benchmark for Investors ## Economic Indicator ## Importance in Financial Markets