The indices traders watch
| Index | What it tracks | Broker symbols you may see |
|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 500 large US companies | US500, SPX500 |
| Nasdaq 100 | 100 large non-financial Nasdaq companies, tech-heavy | NAS100, USTEC |
| Dow Jones Industrial Average | 30 large US companies | US30 |
| FTSE/JSE Top 40 | 40 largest JSE companies | SA40 |
| DAX 40 | 40 large German companies | GER40, DE40 |
See the S&P 500 sector heatmap live on our pre-session page.
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Questions people ask
What is the best index for beginners?
Many beginners start with the S&P 500 (US500) because it is liquid, widely covered and moves on well-known news.
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Educational content only, not financial, investment or tax advice. Trading forex and CFDs carries a high risk of losing money. Look up any term in the trading glossary.