What is the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 is an index that tracks about 500 of the largest companies listed in the US.
It is weighted by company size, so very large companies move it the most. Because it covers a big share of the US market, people often use it as a shorthand for how US stocks are doing. The number itself excludes dividends, so a fund that tracks it has usually done a little better, before fees.
General information only, not financial advice. Investing can lose you money.