For your holiday pleasure, below is a cool graphic illustrating in one eye-shot the entire 121 year history of the Dow, with some interesting emphasis on the lengths of recovery periods from recessions and depression.  A little history now and then is healthy for perspective.  Continue to enjoy the long weekend.


Happy Birthday, Dow Industrials Average! - The Big Picture

Happy Birthday, Dow Industrials Average!

May 26, 2017 9:00am by Barry Ritholtz

Dow Jones Industrial Average is 121 years old today. When it was launched — published is more accurate — its price was $40.94. The holdings in the index were American Cotton Oil, American Sugar, American Tobacco, Chicago Gas, Distilling & Cattle Feeding, General Electric, Laclede Gas, National Lead, North American, Tennessee Coal & Iron, U.S. Leather, and U.S. Rubber.

The Dow is a throwback, no longer owned by Dow Jones; today, its an S&P property. It is a price-based index that is of dubious value. And yet, it persists through a combination of inertia, success and nostalgia.

Chart by Chris Kacher (Moka Investors) via Marketwatch