Principles of Finance

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Standard and Poor’s

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Principles of Finance

Definition

Standard and Poor’s (S&P) is a financial services company known for its stock market indices, such as the S&P 500. It also provides credit ratings for companies and government entities, helping investors assess risk.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The S&P 500 index includes 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the U.S.
  2. S&P provides a widely followed benchmark for U.S. equity performance.
  3. Credit ratings from S&P range from AAA to D, indicating the creditworthiness of issuers.
  4. The S&P 500 is often used as a proxy for the overall health of the U.S. economy.
  5. Standard & Poor’s was founded in 1860 and has since become a leading provider of financial market analysis.

Review Questions

  • What is the purpose of the S&P 500 index?
  • How does Standard and Poor’s contribute to assessing credit risk?
  • Why is the S&P 500 considered an important indicator of economic health?
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