What is stock index founded in 1885?

The first stock index was created by Charles Dow in 1885, known as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). It consisted of 12 companies, mostly industrial, and was calculated by adding up the stock prices of those companies and dividing them by 12.

The DJIA initially served as a barometer of the U.S. economy, reflecting the performance of major industries such as railroads, steel, and coal. Over time, it has expanded to include 30 blue-chip companies, reflecting changes in the economy and business landscape.

Today, the DJIA is one of the most widely recognized and followed stock indices, tracking the performance of companies such as Apple, Goldman Sachs, and ExxonMobil. It is used by investors and financial analysts as a benchmark for the overall health of the U.S. stock market and economy, and as a tool for making investment decisions.