Explore stock indices
An index brings a group of shares into one measure. Its composition and calculation rules shape what that measure tells you.
A benchmark, not a single company
A stock index tracks a defined group of shares. Its provider sets the rules for inclusion, weighting and calculation. Different indices can describe different markets or sectors.
An index level is a calculated measure. Exposure through a fund, a futures contract or a CFD involves a separate product with its own terms; it is not the same as directly owning every share in the index.
Look inside the index
The companies and sectors included in an index shape its behavior. The weighting method determines how much each constituent contributes. Company results and changes in economic expectations can therefore affect indices differently.
Understand the instrument used
An index CFD exposes a position to changes in a reference price under the provider contract. Leverage, financing and any adjustments can affect the outcome. An index covering several companies can still fall sharply and does not remove the risk of loss.
Before choosing a product
Confirm whether the product is available for your circumstances and which entity provides it. Read its contract size, trading hours, costs, margin and execution terms. The examples on this page are an educational reference, not an available-product list.
Stock indices
Use these examples to understand the market. Symbols are reference labels and can differ between platforms.
| Example symbol | Name | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| US30 | Dow Jones Industrial Average | The Dow Jones Industrial Average, a US equity benchmark. |
| NAS100 | Nasdaq 100 | An example label for the Nasdaq 100 equity benchmark. |
| UK100 | FTSE 100 | An example label for the FTSE 100 UK equity benchmark. |
| JP225 | Nikkei 225 | An example label for the Nikkei 225 Japanese equity benchmark. |
| DAX | DAX — Germany index | The DAX German equity benchmark. |
Questions about this market
Are two index levels directly comparable?
The levels use each index provider’s own calculation method and base. Comparing the raw levels alone does not show which market is more expensive.
Does an index CFD give shareholder rights?
A CFD does not give ownership of the constituent shares. Check the product contract for how financing and adjustments are handled.
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