The Dow Jones Industrial Average is the oldest and most commonly known index of the day-to-day overall price performance of stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange. This stock price index has undergone much change since its inception. This report examines the evolution of the stock index's components, and method of calculation. It also briefly addresses the issue of the index's usefulness.
Abstract -- The Composition and calculation of the DJIA. The Formative Years ; The Modern Era -- The Question of Usefulness -- Conclusion -- Appendix 1: Other Dow Jones Stock Price Average Series -- Appendix 2: Other Major Stock Price Indices.
Gary W. Shorter, Analyst in Business and Government Relations, Economics Division.
CRS 86-775 E
"July 1, 1986."
SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
