S&P 500 Stocks
200 stocks · Updated Aug 7, 2026
The S&P 500 is an index of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States, widely regarded as the best gauge of large-cap U.S. equity performance. It covers approximately 80% of the total U.S. stock market capitalization and spans all 11 GICS sectors. Companies must meet specific criteria including market cap, liquidity, and profitability requirements to be included. The index is maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices and rebalanced quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 is a stock market index tracking 500 of the largest U.S. publicly traded companies. It is widely considered the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities.
How are stocks selected for the S&P 500?
Companies must meet criteria for market capitalization, liquidity, public float, financial viability, and sector representation. A committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices makes the final decisions.
How many sectors are in the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 covers all 11 GICS sectors: Technology, Healthcare, Financials, Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services, Industrials, Consumer Staples, Energy, Utilities, Real Estate, and Materials.
Can I invest directly in the S&P 500?
You can't buy the index directly, but you can invest in S&P 500 index funds or ETFs like SPY, VOO, or IVV that track its performance.