What does mean the value of the Dow Jones index?

To begin, we must mention that the index that is generally known as the "Dow Jones index" actually refers to only one of the indices of the group called "Dow Jones Stock Index."

The specific index that is broadcast is usually the "Dow Jones Industrial Average" (DJIA), and is the most important group of Dow Jones stock index.

The DJIA is the oldest index in the United States along with the Dow Jones Transportation Average.

What says the DJIA, is the average share prices of the 30 largest companies in the United States. (Note that the word "Industrial", led him initially, because the 30 largest companies were industrial, but today, some computer companies and some financial institutions have exceeded the firsts, but the denominative is maintained)

Initially, the Index was calculated by dividing the total value of the shares of the 30 companies by the number of total shares.

Then, to adjust the effect of individual size of each company in the index, was passed to divide the total value of shares by a formula that gives greater influence (weight) to the biggest companies on the index value, and also in the event of stock splits of a company that makes them cheaper, but the value of the sum total of this shares remains the same, causing a fall in the index automatically.

To see the value of the DJIA in real time, as well as the other exchanges around the world and also the price of oil, gold and currencies, enter the following link: Economical Data