S&P 500

The S&P 500 Index a market cap-weighted index, meaning that the companies that make up the index are some of the largest listed on the US share markets. To get on the S&P 500 index, a company must be publicly traded in the United States, meaning there American depositary receipts (ADRs) aren’t included on it. Companies also need to meet requirements for liquidity and have positive earnings for four consecutive quarters, including the most recent quarter. At the time of writing, there are currently 503 securities listed in the S&P 500. This is because it includes three dual-class companies, Alphabet Class A (GOOGL), Class B (GOOG), Fox Corporation Class A (FOXA), Class B (FOX), and News Corp Class A (NWSA), Class B (NWS). The S&P 500 is rebalanced quarterly, in March, June, September and December. This means that the 500 companies on the index are reviewed four times a year to see if they still meet the criteria. Learn more about the S&P 500.