Understanding S&P Dow Jones Indices Liquidity Criteria Changes

Clarification on Float Adjusted Liquidity Ratios in U.S. Indices

S&P Dow Jones Indices, often referred to as S&P DJI, recently provided an important update regarding the float-adjusted liquidity ratio (FALR) criteria utilized in the U.S. Indices, including the S&P Composite 1500 Index and Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Indices. This clarification aims to bring enhanced transparency concerning existing FALR regulations without altering the current constituents of these indices.

Insights into Float-Adjusted Liquidity Ratios

The float-adjusted liquidity ratio (FALR) serves as a key metric for measuring the liquidity of stocks within the indices. Specifically, FALR is determined by the annual dollar value traded divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization (FMC). This methodology utilizes composite pricing along with all publicly reported U.S. consolidated volume, allowing a clearer assessment of a stock's liquidity performance.

Evaluating Liquidity Performance

To calculate the annual dollar value traded, S&P DJI takes into account average closing prices and the historical trading volume over the prior 365 days leading up to an evaluation date. For newly listed entities—like IPOs or spin-offs—that lack a full year of trading history on a U.S. exchange, adjustments are made to include only the data available as of the evaluation date and annualize it accordingly.

Details of Liquidity Criteria

The complete liquidity criteria language as outlined by S&P DJI emphasizes how eligibility can vary based on the index category:

• S&P Total Market Index
  • Liquidity assessments take place during quarterly rebalancing meetings.
  • Factors such as share pricing after corporate actions and the Investable Weight Factor (IWF) are critical for calculating the FMC.
  • Evaluations occur five weeks ahead of the rebalancing effective date.
  • A minimum FALR benchmark of 0.1 is applied, though current constituent companies are exempt from this requirement.

Indices Impacted by Updates

These recent clarifications concerning FALR impact several major U.S. indices, including:

• S&P Composite 1500 Index (Code: 1500)
• S&P 500 (Code: 500)
• S&P 400 (Code: 400)
• S&P 600 (Code: 600)
• Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index (Code: DWCF)

Implementation of the New Clarifications

The specified changes to the liquidity criteria come into effect immediately and have been updated in the official methodologies of S&P U.S. Indices and Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Indices, ensuring that stakeholders can refer to the latest guidelines on their official website.

About S&P Dow Jones Indices

S&P Dow Jones Indices stands as the leading global authority on index-based concepts, data, and research, maintaining prominent financial market indicators like the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. With significant assets invested in products based on their indices, S&P DJI continues to set the standard for how investors evaluate market performance.

S&P DJI is a part of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides indispensable intelligence enabling informed decision-making across various sectors, from individuals to corporations and governmental bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the float-adjusted liquidity ratio (FALR)?

FALR is a measure of liquidity defined as the annual dollar value traded divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization.

How does S&P DJI update its methodologies?

Updates to S&P DJI’s methodologies are made to provide clearer guidance and ensure transparency without affecting current constituents.

Which major indices are affected by these liquidity criteria?

The liquidity criteria updates impact popular indices including the S&P Composite 1500, S&P 500, and Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index.

When did these clarifications take effect?

The new clarifications were implemented immediately upon announcement.

What is the objective of these updates?

The goal is to enhance transparency in the liquidity assessments for indices without making immediate changes to their constituents.

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