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What is the Dow Jones Industrial Average

By Joshua Kennon, About.com

Question: What is the Dow Jones Industrial Average
Answer: The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is an index of thirty, blue chip stocks that are traded in the United States. It is believed that by looking at the companies on the list, a person can get a general picture of how the market as a whole is performing. The Dow is perhaps the most quoted and followed index in the world, and dates back to May 26, 1896. It was then comprised of 12 stocks and opened at 40.94.

For more information, go to http://www.dowjones.com

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