Dow Jones: Then vs Now

Dow Jones: Then vs Now

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was created in 1896 by Charles Dow. The DJIA was the first index of stock market activity and originally consisted of 12 companies:

• American Cotton Oil

• American Sugar

• American Tobacco

• Chicago Gas

• Distilling & Cattle Feeding

• General Electric

• Laclede Gas

• National Lead

• North American

• Tennessee Coal and Iron

• U.S. Leather

• U.S. Rubber.

At the time, these companies were among the titans of American industry. These members were chosen because they were thought to best indicate the direction of the American stock market. Today, not one of the original 12 members exists in the Dow 30. 

Since 1896 the Dow has expanded to include 30 companies that most recognize, including:

• Coca-Cola

• Apple

• American Express

• JPMorgan Chase & Co

• McDonalds

• Verizon

• Walmart

The Dow has gone through many changes over the years. As the industrial age came to a close, electricity became the dominant energy source and led to numerous technological advancements that were embraced by consumers. The economy has since shifted toward providing more consumer goods and technology-based services and products.

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