Dow Jones Industrial Average

DJIA • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

44,111.74

Year-over-Year Change

-0.52%

Date Range

10/6/2021 - 8/5/2025

Summary

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is a stock market index tracking 30 large, publicly-owned companies trading on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. It serves as a key indicator of overall U.S. stock market performance and broader economic health.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

This price-weighted index represents a cross-section of the U.S. economy's most significant corporations across various sectors. Economists and investors use it as a barometer for market sentiment and potential economic trends.

Methodology

The index is calculated by summing the stock prices of its 30 component companies and dividing by a specialized divisor that accounts for stock splits and other structural changes.

Historical Context

Financial analysts, policymakers, and investors use the DJIA as a critical benchmark for assessing economic performance and making strategic investment decisions.

Key Facts

  • Includes 30 of the largest U.S. publicly traded companies
  • First calculated in 1896 by Charles Dow
  • Represents approximately 25% of the total U.S. market capitalization

FAQs

Q: What companies are currently in the Dow Jones Industrial Average?

A: The index includes companies like Apple, Microsoft, Boeing, Coca-Cola, and Goldman Sachs, representing diverse sectors of the U.S. economy.

Q: How often is the DJIA composition updated?

A: The index is periodically reviewed and adjusted, with components changed as needed to reflect the evolving economic landscape.

Q: How is the DJIA different from other market indices?

A: Unlike market-cap weighted indices, the DJIA is price-weighted, meaning higher-priced stocks have more influence on the index's movement.

Q: Can the DJIA predict economic recessions?

A: While not a definitive predictor, significant and sustained DJIA declines can signal potential economic downturns or market corrections.

Q: How frequently is the DJIA updated?

A: The index is calculated and updated continuously during trading hours, with real-time values reflecting current market conditions.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Dow Jones Industrial Average [DJIA], retrieved from FRED.

Last Checked: 8/1/2025