The S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq Since 2000 Highs as of August 2025

Core Insights - The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite are key stock market indexes that reflect the performance of the U.S. stock market, with varying degrees of gains and losses depending on market conditions and economic state [1][2]. Index Characteristics - The S&P 500 includes approximately 500 of the largest U.S. stocks, weighted by market capitalization, providing a broad market performance view [2]. - The Nasdaq comprises over 3,000 stocks, heavily focused on the technology sector, making it a benchmark for technology and growth companies [2]. - The Dow consists of 30 blue-chip stocks, weighted by stock prices, offering a more conservative representation of the market [2]. Historical Performance - Since their peaks in 2000, the performance changes of the indexes are as follows: Dow increased by 288.5% nominally and 105.6% in real terms; S&P 500 rose by 322.9% nominally and 123.8% in real terms; Nasdaq grew by 325.0% nominally and 124.9% in real terms [4]. - As of August 29, 2025, the month-over-month changes were: S&P 500 up 1.9%, Dow up 3.2%, and Nasdaq up 1.6% [4]. - Adjusted for inflation, the real month-over-month changes were 1.8% for S&P 500, 3.0% for Dow, and 1.4% for Nasdaq [6]. Long-term Growth - Over the last 10 years, each index has shown significant growth in real terms: S&P 500 up 124%, Dow up 106%, and Nasdaq up 125% [8]. ETF Performance - The SPY ETF, tracking the S&P 500, shows a current real purchasing power of $3,499 from an initial investment of $1,000 at its March 2000 peak, reflecting a real compounded annual return of 5.05% [13]. - The DIA ETF, tracking the Dow, has a current real purchasing power of $3,515 from the same initial investment, with a real compounded annual return of 5.03% [14]. - The QQQ ETF, tracking the Nasdaq-100, has a current real purchasing power of $3,113 from the initial investment, yielding a real compounded annual return of 4.56% [16].