The Major Stock Indices Around the World

World market indices reflect the performance of global economies, highlighting growth dynamics and the main driving sectors. Each geographical area contributes to outlining financial trends, from developed to emerging markets.

These tools guide investors’ decisions and provide a comprehensive view of global economic movements.

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#1. North America indices

The North American market is the world’s largest market capitalization, dominated by the United States and Canada. The indices reflect a strong presence of technology, financial and industrial sectors, with Wall Street as the global nerve center.

Country	Index	Components	Year of creation	Description
USA	S&P 500	500	1957	Includes the 500 largest U.S. corporations
USA	Dow Jones Industrial	30	1896	30 Largest US Companies
USA	NASDAQ Composite	3.000	1971	NASDAQ-listed technology stocks
USA	NASDAQ-100	100	1985	NASDAQ 100 Largest Non-Financial Companies
USA	Russell 2000	2.000	1984	2,000 US Small Cap Companies
USA	S&P MidCap 400	400	1991	US mid-cap companies
USA	Wilshire 5000	5,000	1974	All stocks listed on the US market
Canada	S&P/TSX Composite	250	1977	Main index of the Toronto Stock Exchange

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#2. Europe indices

European markets are characterized by a combination of mature economies and highly regulated markets. Indices such as the DAX, FTSE 100 and CAC 40 represent the major European stock exchanges and key sectors such as energy, financials and consumer goods.

Country	Index	Components	Year of creation	Description
United Kingdom	FTSE 100	100	1984	100 Most Capitalized UK Companies
United Kingdom	FTSE 250	250	1992	UK Mid-Cap Companies
Germany	DAX 40	40	1988	40 Major German Companies
France	CAC 40	40	1987	40 major French companies
Eurozone	EURO STOXX 50	50	1998	Top 50 Eurozone Companies
Italy	FTSE MIB	40	1997	40 most capitalized Italian companies
Spain	IBEX 35	35	1992	35 Major Spanish Companies
Netherlands	AEX	25	1983	Major Dutch companies
Sweden	OMX Stockholm 30	30	1986	30 largest Swedish companies

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#3. Asia-Pacific indices

The Asia-Pacific region is home to dynamic and rapidly growing economies, including Japan, China, and India. Major indices, such as the Nikkei and Hang Seng, reflect the region’s industrial might and technological innovation.

Country	Index	Components	Year of creation	Description
Japan	Nikkei 225	225	1950	225 Leading Companies in Japan
Japan	TOPIX	2.000	1969	Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section Company
Hong Kong	Hang Seng Index	50	1969	Top Hong Kong Companies
China	Shanghai Composite	1,500	1991	Main index of the Shanghai Stock Exchange
South Korea	KOSPI	800	1983	Major South Korean companies
Australia	S&P/ASX 200	200	2000	200 Largest Australian Companies
India	Nifty50	50	1996	50 Most Capitalized Companies in India
India	BSE Sensex	30	1986	Top 30 Companies of Bombay Stock Exchange

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#4. Latin America indices

Latin American markets are heavily influenced by the commodity, energy and agriculture sectors. Indices such as Bovespa and MERVAL reflect the volatility and growth potential of emerging economies.

Country	Index	Components	Year of creation	Description
Brazil	Bovespa	80	1968	Main index of the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange
Mexico	IPC Mexico	35	1978	Main index of the Mexican Stock Exchange
Argentina	MERVAL	20	1986	Main index of the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange

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#5. Middle East indices

Middle Eastern markets are dominated by the energy and financial sectors, with a strong influence from oil. Indices such as the Saudi Tadawul show the expansion of local markets and the growing openness to foreign investors.

Country	Index	Components	Year of creation	Description
Saudi Arabia	Tadawul All Share	200	1985	Main index of the Saudi Stock Exchange
Israel	Tel Aviv 35	35	1992	35 Most Capitalized Israeli Companies
United Arab Emirates	DFM General Index	65	2000	Dubai Stock Exchange Index

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#6. Africa indices

African markets, while less developed, offer opportunities in sectors such as natural resources and infrastructure. The South African FTSE/JSE Top 40 is the continent’s most representative index.

Country	Index	Components	Year of creation	Description
South Africa	FTSE/JSE Top 40	40	2002	Top 40 South African Companies
Egypt	EGX 30	30	2009	Main index of the Egyptian Stock Exchange, includes the 30 most liquid and capitalized companies of the Egyptian market.
Morocco	MASI (Moroccan All Shares Index)	75	2002	Index that replicates the performance of all companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange, offering a complete overview of the Moroccan market.

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#7. Global indices

Global indices such as MSCI World and FTSE All-World provide a diversified view of world markets, combining developed and emerging economies. These instruments are often used for global investment strategies.

Country	Index	Components	Year of creation	Description
Global	MSCI World Index	1,500	1969	Stocks from 23 developed countries
Global	MSCI Emerging Markets	1.400	1988	Represents emerging markets
Global	MSCI ACWI	3.000	1988	Includes developed and emerging markets
Global	FTSE All World	4,000	1986	Companies from over 49 developed and emerging countries