Dow Jones Industrial Average facts for kids
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (often called the DJIA or simply The Dow) is a very famous way to see how the U.S. stock market and its economy are doing. It's like a special score that shows the health of some of the biggest companies in America.
This important index was created by Charles Dow. He was an editor for The Wall Street Journal newspaper and helped start a company called Dow Jones & Company.
The Dow is made up of 30 large companies. All of these companies are from the USA. Their shares are traded on either the NYSE or the NASDAQ. Together, these 30 companies give us a good idea of the overall economy of the United States.
In the past, most of the companies in the Dow were from heavy industries. This included businesses that made things like steel, oil, and cars. But today, the Dow includes companies from many different areas. For example, some of the newest companies to join the index are from the technology world.
Which Companies Are in The Dow?
Since March 18, 2015, these are some of the companies that are part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average:
- 3M: A company that makes many different products, from sticky notes to medical supplies.
- Apple: Known for iPhones, computers, and other electronics.
- Boeing: A major company that builds airplanes and defense equipment.
- Coca-Cola: Famous for its soft drinks.
- The Home Depot: A large store for home improvement and building supplies.
- Intel: A company that makes computer chips and other technology.
- IBM: A big name in computers and technology services.
- Johnson & Johnson: Makes health care products and medicines.
- McDonald's: A well-known fast food restaurant chain.
- Microsoft: Famous for its computer software, like Windows.
- Nike: A popular company that makes athletic shoes and clothing.
- Procter & Gamble: Produces many everyday household goods, like toothpaste and cleaning supplies.
- Walmart: A very large retail store chain.
- Walt Disney: Known for movies, theme parks, and entertainment.
This list changes sometimes. Companies are added or removed to make sure the Dow still represents the U.S. economy well. If you want to see a full list of companies that have been part of the Dow in the past, you can check out this list.
Images for kids
-
DJIA monthly trading volume in shares from 1929 to 2012
See also
In Spanish: Promedio Industrial Dow Jones para niños
