History of S&P 500 in Timeline

The S&P 500 is a widely followed stock market index that represents the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. It captures approximately 80% of the total market capitalization of all U.S. public companies, reflecting a significant portion of the American economy. As of January 2024, the S&P 500 had an aggregate market capitalization exceeding $43 trillion, solidifying its status as a key indicator of overall market health and a benchmark for investment performance.

1906: Standard Statistics Bureau Founded

In 1906, the Standard Statistics Bureau was founded as the Standard Statistics Company.

1923: Standard Statistics Company's First Stock Market Index

In 1923, Standard Statistics Company developed its first stock market index, consisting of the stocks of 233 U.S. companies, computed weekly.

1926: S&P 500 Inception

Since its inception in 1926, the S&P 500's compound annual growth rate—including dividends—has been approximately 9.8%.

1941: Formation of Standard & Poor's

In 1941, Poor's Publishing merged with Standard Statistics Company to form Standard & Poor's.

March 4, 1957: S&P 500 Expansion

On March 4, 1957, the index was expanded to 500 companies and renamed the S&P 500 Stock Composite Index.

1962: Ultronic Systems Compiles S&P Indices

In 1962, Ultronic Systems became the compiler of the S&P indices including the S&P 500 Stock Composite Index, the 425 Stock Industrial Index, the 50 Stock Utility Index, and the 25 Stock Rail Index.

August 31, 1976: First Mutual Fund Tracking S&P 500

On August 31, 1976, The Vanguard Group offered the first mutual fund to retail investors that tracked the S&P 500 index.

April 21, 1982: S&P 500 Futures Trading Begins

On April 21, 1982, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange began trading futures based on the S&P 500 index.

1982: S&P 500 Futures Trading Begins

In 1982, the original SP big contract began trading.

July 1, 1983: S&P 500 Options Trading Begins

On July 1, 1983, the Chicago Board Options Exchange began trading options based on the S&P 500 index.

1986: S&P 500 Index Value Updated Every 15 Seconds

Beginning in 1986, the S&P 500 index value was updated every 15 seconds during trading days.

January 22, 1993: Inception of S&P 500 ETF

On January 22, 1993, the Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts exchange-traded fund issued by State Street Corporation began trading.

September 9, 1997: Introduction of S&P E-mini Futures Contract

On September 9, 1997, CME Group introduced the S&P E-mini futures contract.

2005: Transition to Public Float-Adjusted Capitalization-Weighting

In 2005, the S&P 500 index transitioned to a public float-adjusted capitalization-weighting.

September 17, 2021: Final Trading Date for Original SP Big Contract

Friday, September 17, 2021, was the final trading date for the original SP big contract which began trading in 1982.

October 2021: Allegations of Companies Purchasing S&P Ratings

In October 2021, a Bloomberg News report highlighted a study alleging that some companies purchase ratings from S&P Global to increase their chances of entering the S&P 500 Index.