I think it is more important because it is a broader measure of the large cap stock market (500 large cap stocks vs 30 large cap stocks).
You mean 53 basis points, right?
Why is it more important than the DOW? And what do we want the S&P to get to, and why?
There isn't a fixed target for the S&P 500, as it is expected to rise over time, even though it may act as a roller coaster most of the time.Why is it more important than the DOW? And what do we want the S&P to get to, and why?
Yes. Another case of I should have quit when I was ahead. Or more coffee is needed.
RonBoyd said:also, don't understand the purpose in the Media showing the figures in Points instead of percentages -- which is more useful a 73 point decrease or -0.53%. I suppose 73 sounds better (scarier) than 5 basis points. (Although, I don't spend much time worrying over this.)
Most if not all show both points & % with a green or red arrow that I've seen, CNN, CNBC, NBC, CBS & ABC...same with online sites.I, also, don't understand the purpose in the Media showing the figures in Points instead of percentages -- which is more useful a 73 point decrease or -0.53%. I suppose 73 sounds better (scarier) than 5 basis points. (Although, I don't spend much time worrying over this.)
Indexes do, of course, have a purpose which is to get an Alpha reading on a specific MF/ETF (or Stock bundle) against a select/specific Index.)
I am unsure that "watching" a particular Index serves any real useful purpose. I am reminded by the statement (I forget the author) that goes something like, "What if when you came home from work each evening and there was one of those electronic signs above your front door showing the current market value of your house (based on recent sales in your neighborhood), would you sleep better?"
Wouldn't sleep better, no, but I do check the Zillow page for our properties a couple of times a week: satisfies my curiosity. And I check the stock market indices to see whether they are going up or down as a quick and dirty indication if up is a general trajectory or whether all H*ll is about to break loose economically.
Wouldn't sleep better, no, but I do check the Zillow page for our properties a couple of times a week: satisfies my curiosity. And I check the stock market indices to see whether they are going up or down as a quick and dirty indication if up is a general trajectory or whether all H*ll is about to break loose economically.
Why, if all h*ll were about to break loose, I'd hide under the bed, of course!