Markets · US stock indices
S&P 500: News, Analysis & Educational Trade Ideas
S&P 500 index · latest OpenBook briefings, educational trade ideas and a plain-English guide to what moves this market.
What is S&P 500?
The S&P 500 is a stock market index that tracks 500 of the largest companies listed in the United States, weighted by market capitalization. It is maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices and is the most widely followed benchmark for the US stock market.
Because the biggest companies carry the most weight, a handful of large technology and communication stocks can have an outsized effect on the index.
What drives S&P 500
- Corporate earnings and guidance, especially from the largest index members.
- Federal Reserve policy and Treasury yields.
- US economic data such as inflation, jobs and consumer spending.
- Investor risk appetite, sector rotation and major policy news such as tariffs.
Trading hours and sessions
The regular US stock market session runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday, with pre-market and after-hours trading around it. S&P 500 futures trade nearly 24 hours a day from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon ET.
Check live quotes on the OpenBook markets board. Hours shown in US Eastern Time (ET) and may shift around holidays and daylight-saving changes.
- The 15 worst-performing S&P 500 stocks during a dismal September
- You might be shocked by how many stocks are in a bear market right now
- Morgan Stanley’s Mike Wilson says an S&P 500 correction may be exactly what the market nee
- Micron could dethrone Nvidia and become the biggest driver of S&P 500 profit growth
- Nike’s stock is one of the worst in the S&P 500 — and BofA says it’s not done sliding
- The S&P 500’s newest tech stock is now its best performer
- Stop trying to beat the market: Even the richest Americans can’t do it consistently
- The stock market is ‘priced for perfection.’ Here’s what could drive a nearly 20% slump fo
S&P 500 FAQ
What does the S&P 500 track?
About 500 of the largest US-listed companies, weighted by market capitalization, covering all major sectors of the US economy.
When does the S&P 500 trade?
The underlying stocks trade from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET on weekdays; index futures trade nearly around the clock from Sunday evening to Friday.
How can US residents get exposure to the S&P 500?
Usually through index funds and ETFs, or through futures and options on regulated US exchanges. Index CFDs are not available to US retail clients.
Are OpenBook S&P 500 trade ideas signals or investment advice?
No. OpenBook trade ideas are algorithmic, educational market ideas generated from public price data. They are not recommendations to buy or sell, do not consider your personal circumstances and are not investment advice. Some idea details are reserved for OpenBook Pro.