There are two ways of computing an index. Some indexes are equal-weighted (each company is given an equal weight), others, capitalization-weighted.
To compute an equal-weighted index, you only need to know stock prices. Let's say we decided to compute an index of 10 stocks. We can do it by putting together a fantasy portfolio consisting of $10,000 invested in each of 10 stocks. So on the first day of index computation (or, as index compilers say, on the base date), the value of our portfolio is $100,000. For convenience, we can drop the thousands and say that our index on its base date has a base value of 100.
Next day, the value of our fantasy portfolio dropped to $98,600, so we report the index value of 98.60. The day after next, it rose to $101,250, so we report the index value of 101.25.
Capitalization-weighted indexes work in a similar way, but instead of prices, market capitalizations are used. Say, today is the base date, and the total market capitalization of companies in our index is $100 billion. We'll take it as a base value and report it as 100. Next day, the value rises to $102 billion, so we report the index as 102.
In practice, the numbers are not round, of course...
As to comparing different indexes, comparing raw indexes is meaningless. You can, however, make informative comparisons of index returns and volatilities.
2006-08-16 04:29:37
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answer #1
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answered by NC 7
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The Dow Jones index is a set of shares that are think to symbolize a go element of yankee industry. while the Dow is going up it rather is a demonstration that the monetary equipment as an entire is doing nicely. i'm undecided of all of the shares in it, i be responsive to walmart and AOL are secure.
2016-12-14 06:38:50
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answer #2
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answered by ? 4
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Penny stocks are loosely categorized companies with share prices of below $5 and with market caps of under $200 million. They are sometimes referred to as "the slot machines of the equity market" because of the money involved. There may be a good place for penny stocks in the portfolio of an experienced, advanced investor, however, if you follow this guide you will learn the most efficient strategies https://tr.im/e3f14
2015-01-25 00:13:22
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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