Dow Jones Industrial Average Marks 130 Years

Market observers described the index as still relevant to most investors even as it has lagged other benchmarks in recent periods.

The index was created in 1896 as a simple average of 12 industrial stocks. Over the decades it expanded to 30 components and became one of the most widely followed measures of U.S. stock performance.

Recent performance data show the index trailing broader market indexes that include technology-heavy names. Coverage from MarketWatch stated that its age does not make the benchmark too antiquated to follow. Market participants continue to use the index for quick reference on large-cap industrial and financial shares.