Indexes and Benchmarks
Dow Jones Industrial Average
A well-known U.S. stock index that tracks 30 large public companies.
Also called: DJIA, Dow
What it means
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, often called the Dow, is a stock index made up of 30 large U.S. companies. It is one of the most recognized market indicators, though it covers far fewer companies than the S&P 500.
Why it matters
People often hear the Dow mentioned in headlines, so knowing what it is helps users interpret market news more accurately.