What Is a Market Index Point?

A point is used to measure the value of the securities listed in an index.

A market index point is a concept of the financial industry used everyday in exchanges around the world - the marketplaces of stocks, bonds, and other types of financial instruments or securities. Understanding a market index point, however, first requires understanding the meaning of a market index.

What is an Index?

According to Investorwords, an index is "a statistical indicator providing a representation of the value of the securities which constitute it." The S&P 500 Index is an example.

What is a Market Index?

A market index is therefore an index that represents the values of a particular market. In other words, it "measures price changes of an overall market, such as a stock market or bond market," says Investorwords.

The Market Index Point

A point in a market index is a concept used to measure the value of the securities listed in the index. However, the point will have a different meaning depending on whether it is a stock market index or a bond market index.

Point: Stock Market Index

When referring to stocks and stock market indexes, a "point" is equivalent to $1.

Point: Bond Market Index

When referring to bonds and bond market indexes, a "point" is equivalent to $10 because every bond price is actually equal to a percentage of $1,000.

References

• NYSE Euronext Glossary
• Investorwords: Index
• Investorwords: Market Index
• Investorwords: S&P 500