Learn About Futures Insider for October 13, 2011: S&P 500 (Part 2)

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The most recent updates to the components include:

* July 5, 2011 - Accenture replaced Marshall & Lisley Corp
* Jun 1, 2011 - Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. replaced Massey Energy Company
* January 26, 2011 - Covidien replaced McAfee



Historic price milestones for the S&P 500 index include the following:


Key terms include the following:

Public Float - refers to the number of outstanding shares of a public company that are held by private investors rather than company officers and controlling-interest investors.

Large Cap - refers to companies which have a large market capitalization value (above $10 million), often calculated by multiplying outstanding shares by share price. Exact definitions or values may vary.

Key Uses

As a benchmark index, the S&P 500 can be used by fund managers, speculators, analysts and rating companies as a performance standard against which they can compare their own performance or the performance of others. The S&P 500 futures contract has also been used to accommodate a range of both speculator and hedger trading strategies.

Key Concerns

For the futures contract on the S&P 500, the commonly watched factors which may affect trade include economic reports or events. This may include the following:

•Retail Sales
•Unemployment Claims
•Personal Income
•PPI
•CPI
•New Home Sales
•FOMC Meetings & Member commentaries


In addition to weekly and monthly reports, corporate earnings and activities such as mergers and acquisitions may affect price and volatility. There are nearly countless national and global events that can be considered in relation to how they may affect member shares and the overall index value.

Disclaimer: There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading and it is not suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your account size and/or margin requirements. Commodities trading can be extremely risky and is not for everyone. Some trading strategies have unlimited risk. Educate yourself on the risks and rewards of such investing prior to trading. Futures Press Inc., the publisher, and/or its affiliates, staff or anyone associated with Futures Press, Inc. or Futures Trading Guide | Learn About Futures Trading and Markets, do not guarantee profits or pre-determined loss points, and are not held monetarily responsible for the trading losses of others (subscribers or otherwise). Past results are by no means indicative of potential future returns. Fundamental factors, seasonal and weather trends, and current events may have already been factored into the markets. Information provided is compiled by sources believed to be reliable. Futures Press, Inc., and/or its principals, assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions as the information may not be complete or events may have been canceled or rescheduled. Any copy, reprint, broadcast or distribution of this report of any kind is prohibited without the expressed written consent of Futures Press, Inc.