S&P 500
An index of about 500 of the largest US companies. When people say 'the market', they usually mean this.
In plain English
The S&P 500 tracks the combined value of roughly 500 big US companies, weighted by size. It is the standard yardstick for how US stocks did.
Uncle Gary explains
The S&P 500 is the class average. Uncle Gary's portfolio is the one kid who insists he is gifted. Before you believe him, check whether he beats the class average.
Why it matters for your money
It is our main benchmark. If a strategy doesn't beat simply holding the S&P 500, the extra effort isn't worth it.
Where we tested it
- Does the Golden Cross Work? We Tested 72 Strategies
- Does Buying the Dip Work? We Checked Which Dips
- Lesson 10: How to Lie With Statistics (So You Can Catch It)
- Should You Buy Stocks After Good Earnings? Post-Earnings Drift, Tested
Related terms
All glossary terms. Educational content, not financial advice.