
How many large cap stocks are in the market?
Large cap stocks represent 91% of the total U.S. equities market as measured by the Wilshire 5000 Total Market Index. As of June 29, 2018, the Index had 3,486 stocks representing the entire U.S. equity market universe.
What is the difference between large cap and mega cap stocks?
Stable and impactful: Large cap stocks are typically blue chip companies at peak business cycle phases, generating established and stable revenue and earnings. They tend to move with the market economy because of their size. ... Mega cap refers to stocks with a market cap of greater than $100 billion.
Are large-cap stocks a better investment?
Large-caps are generally safer investments than their mid- and small-cap counterparts because the companies are more established, but their stocks may not offer the same potential for high returns. What Is Market Capitalization? Market capitalization is one of the primary ways to value publicly traded companies.
What is a small cap stock?
A small cap stock is generally defined as the stock of a publicly traded company that has a market capitalization ranging from $300 million to about $2 billion. The two most popular small cap indexes that are widely tracked are the S&P Smallcap 600 Index, and the Russell 2000 Index.

What percentage of the total US stock market is mid-cap?
8.40%Summary of the U.S. Stock MarketCategoryStock Count%Large cap82088.47%Mid cap1,1598.40%Small cap1,8972.57%Micro cap3,8560.56%2 more rows•Feb 21, 2019
What percentage of the Russell 3000 is large-cap?
How much of the Russell 3000 is large cap and small cap? The Russell 3000 is formed by 1,000 large cap stocks from the Russell 1000 (33.33% of all Russell 3000 companies) and 2,000 small cap stocks from the Russell 2000 (the remaining 66.67% of all Russell 3000 companies).
How much market cap is large-cap?
Large-cap (sometimes called "big cap") refers to a company with a market capitalization value of more than $10 billion.
What percentage of VTI is large-cap?
It was established in 2001. The fund seeks to track the CRSP US Total Market Index. This ETF holds over 3,500 U.S. stocks across all cap sizes. Specifically, VTI is comprised of roughly 82% large-cap, 12% mid-cap, and 6% small-cap stocks.
What percent of Russell 1000 is mid cap?
approximately 31%The Russell Midcap is a subset of the Russell 1000® Index. It includes approximately 800 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell Midcap represents approximately 31% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000 companies.
What percent of market cap is Russell 2000?
approximately 10%It is commonly considered an indicator of the U.S. economy due to its focus on small-cap companies in the U.S. market. The index represents approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index.
What market cap is considered mid-cap?
between $2 and $10 billionMid-cap (or mid-capitalization) is the term that is used to designate companies with a market cap (capitalization)—or market value—between $2 and $10 billion. As the name implies, a mid-cap company falls in the middle between large-cap (or big-cap) and small-cap companies.
Is S&P 500 large-cap?
The S&P 500® is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities. According to our Annual Survey of Assets, an estimated USD 13.5 trillion is indexed or benchmarked to the index, with indexed assets comprising approximately USD 5.4 trillion of this total (as of Dec. 31, 2020).
Is Nifty 50 large-cap?
Considering NIFTY 100, NIFTY 50, and NIFTY Next 50 are all large-cap indices, you may expect more or less similar performance from them.
What percentage of VTI is S&P 500?
Over very long periods of time, VTI can be expected to perform very similarly to VOO, but with higher volatility. Because 82% of VTI is VOO, its performance is still highly correlated to the S&P 500. The remaining 12% of mid- and small-cap stocks adds some volatility, which can boost returns but also increases risk.
What percentage of VTI is Amazon?
Month-end holdingsRank/holdingsPercentage1Apple Inc.5.90%2Microsoft Corp.5.00%3Alphabet Inc.3.10%4Amazon.com Inc.2.60%7 more rows
Does VOO outperform VTI?
VTI is better than VOO because it offers more diversification and less volatility for the same expense ratio of 0.03%. VTI also provides exposure to large, mid, and small-cap companies compared to only large-cap with VOO.
Why are large cap stocks considered safe?
Due to their size, large cap stocks are generally believed to be safer.
What does "large cap" mean?
What Does Large Cap (Big Cap) Mean? Large cap (sometimes called "big cap") refers to a company with a market capitalization value of more than $10 billion. Large cap is a shortened version of the term "large market capitalization.".
What are the characteristics of a large cap company?
Characteristics often associated with large cap stocks include the following: 1. Transparent: Large cap companies are typically transparent, making it easy for investors to find and analyze public information about them. 2.
How to calculate market capitalization?
Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the number of a company's shares outstanding by its stock price per share. A company’s stock is generally classified as large cap, mid cap or small cap. 1:14.
Why are large cap companies considered long term investments?
Generally, large cap companies are typically used as core long-term investments in an investment portfolio because of their stability and dividends. Financial advisers suggest diversifying an investment portfolio by including small cap, mid cap, and large cap stocks.
How much is a micro cap?
Micro cap is less than $300 million and nano cap may also be used for less than $50 million. A large cap company has a market capitalization of over $10 billion. A mid cap company has a market capitalization between $2 billion and $10 billion, and a small cap company has less than $2 billion in market capitalization.
Total stock market index
This table provides Total Stock Market Index Funds from four different providers. The objective is to approximate these Morningstar style boxes using available funds chosen from the two-fund and three-fund tables below.
Approximating total stock with two funds
These examples match the composition of the total US stock market using two funds.
Approximating total stock with three funds
These examples match the composition of the total US stock market using three funds.
Table notes
The style box numbers were computed by Morningstar Instant XRay by entering each fund ticker as a holding, and entering the dollar value based on the percentage; for example, for VFIAX at 81% and VEXAX at 19%, enter $81 and $19 respectively and observe the computed Morningstar Style Box on the Instant X-Ray tab.
Stock market classifications
Style boxes use the following format. Numbers shown are percentages. Because values are rounded, the percentages may not total exactly 100%.
What is total stock market?
Funds that claim to be "total stock market" index funds typically track an index that includes between 3,000 and 5,000 small-, mid-, and large-cap U.S. stocks. Examples of total stock indexes include the Wilshire 5000 Index and the Russell 3000 index. The Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) tracks the CRSP U.S. Total Stock Market Index, which includes approximately 3,500 stocks. 1
What is the S&P 500 index fund?
Unlike total stock market index funds, S&P 500 index funds only track specific stocks on the Standard & Poors 500 index. The S&P 500 consists of about 500 stocks of the largest U.S. publicly traded companies, as measured by market capitalization. 2
Is a total stock market fund a large cap?
A total stock market fund does not capture the total stock market; it captures a majority of the large-cap stock market with a small representation of other segments, such as mid-cap and small-cap stocks. Therefore, its average market cap is large-cap, explaining why it performs similarly to an S&P 500 index fund.
What is a micro cap stock?
The term micro cap stock generally refers to the stock of public companies in the United States which have a market capitalization of less than $300 million. These companies are generally too small for most large institutional investors to invest in, such as the large mutual funds or large hedge funds. As a general rule, micro cap stocks have tended to under perform the stock market as a whole, probably because of the lack of interest from large institutional investors.
How many size categories are there in common stocks?
The common stocks of public companies are categorized into one of four size categories based on the size of the company's market capitalization (i.e. number of shares outstanding times the stock market price per share):
What is a multi cap ETF?
But the ETF only selectively buys some of those stocks. So the ETF is not a "total market" ETF, because total market ETFs literally try to replicate the performance of the entire stock market, whereas a "multi-cap" ETF is selectively buying only some of those stocks. ETFs classified as "multi-cap" ETFs are typically actively managed ETFs or smart beta ETFs that are attempting to outperform the entire stock market.
What are the most common ETFs?
These indexes are referred to as "total market indexes". The most common total market index is probably the Russell 3000 Index, which tracks the largest 3,000 stocks on the U.S. stock market. Another total market index is the CRSP U.S. Total Market Index, which tracks roughly 4,000 stocks across mega, large, small and micro capitalizations, representing nearly 100% of the U.S. investable equity market.
What is the market cap of a large company?
That’s because some companies go public and immediately have a qualifying market cap of above $10 billion.
What is a large cap stock?
Large-cap stocks are shares of the largest U.S. companies, or those with market capitalizations of $10 billion or more. Large-caps are generally safer investments than their mid- and small-cap counterparts because the companies are more established, but their stocks may not offer the same potential for high returns.
Why are large cap stocks less volatile than mid cap stocks?
Because of that lower relative risk, large-caps generally experience less volatility than mid-caps. Still, individual stocks within either category could experience wild price movements at any time. Two indexes are often cited as benchmarks for the U.S. mid-cap market: S&P MidCap 400 Index. A counterpart to the S&P 500 Index, ...
Why do small cap stocks have more volatility than large cap stocks?
Volatility. Because of their comparative greater growth potential and risk, small-caps generally experience more stock price volatility than large-caps. Of course any individual stock could see some wild price swings higher or lower, but large-caps as a group are less prone to that type of volatility.
What is market cap?
For similar reasons, market cap is often a factor that fund managers focus on when selecting stocks for their funds. Index membership. A company’s market cap directly influences whether it’s included in major stock market benchmarks, like the S&P 500 Index.
Why are small cap companies risky?
As a result, small-cap companies have the potential to see bigger gains in their businesses (and stocks) if their plans work out. Risk. However, along with the growth potential, small-caps have a higher potential for failure and are therefore riskier investments.
What are the three main categories of stocks?
In the U.S., the stock market is divided up into three main categories: large-, mid- and small-cap stocks. Even if they operate in very different industries, companies of similar sizes and market cap generally share a certain qualities that have implications for investing: Growth and risk prospects.
How to calculate market cap of mutual funds?
To calculate market cap, take the share price and multiply it by the number of shares outstanding (meaning shares that anyone can buy).
What to consider when investing in stocks?
One thing to consider is your own personal level of risk tolerance. Everyone’s asset allocation for stocks is going to be different based on the level of risk that they’re willing to take on. The first thing to consider is your allocation between stocks and bonds.
How much of your portfolio should be in bonds?
Because of this, I recommend no more than 10% of your portfolio in bonds.
Is a small company more volatile?
Smaller companies are more volatile. While you may get a larger return on your investment, you also open yourself up to more risk. Many smaller companies have not been around as long and may not last. This is the beauty of small-cap ETFs and mutual funds. You don’t have to pick individual small companies to invest in.
Do you have to pick a small company to invest in?
You don’t have to pick individual small companies to invest in. You immediately diversify yourself and invest in a basket of smaller companies. So while investing in a small-cap ETF or mutual fund can be riskier than investing in a large-cap fund, it’s a necessary element in a diversified portfolio.
Do small cap companies outperform large cap companies?
Lastly, small cap companies have the ability to outperform large cap companies. This doesn’t come without risk, though.
Is a large cap ETF a small cap company?
For example, a large-cap ETF will hold stock in only large-cap companies. There are a few other types of market caps you may see, but not as often.
How much of the stock market does the S&P 500 represent?
Before we get there though, fun fact: the S&P 500 represents about 80% of the total stock market by itself. That’s why Warren Buffett is content for you to buy an index fund containing most of the “ big companies ” because even when you’re in the S&P 500 you essentially have 80% of the market covered. Some of the criticism of index investing is ...
Is the S&P 500 a good investment?
The S&P 500 can be a great opportunity for investing, but it doesn't represent the whole market. If you're looking to diversify your portfolio here is some more information about the total market and how to assemble something similar for yourself. Last updated on December 24, 2019.
Can you run a total stock market index fund through Morningstar?
You can run whatever total stock market index fund you want through Morningstar to get your own analysis. Once you have a holdings style for the fund you want to approximate, now you can turn to the index funds offered in your employer’s 401 (k) or other retirement accounts to see what can be done to approximate the total market.
What is the most commonly used benchmark for the U.S. equity market?
The Wilshire 5000 remains the most often used benchmark for the total U.S. equity market. 2. The Russell 3000 Index is another market-capitalization-weighted equity index maintained by FTSE Russell that provides exposure to the entire U.S. stock market.
What percentage of the stock market is Dow Jones?
The Dow Jones U.S. Market Index, considered a total market index, represents the top 95% of the U.S. stock market based on market capitalization.
How many stocks are in the Dow Jones?
Added up, the Dow Jones U.S. Total Market Index includes about 3,741 stocks that trade on the U.S. stock exchanges; it includes large-, mid-, small- and micro-cap companies. 1 The number does not include foreign securities, exchange-traded products, or other investment companies.
What is broad market index?
Broad market indexes only include securities with reasonable size and liquidity so that they can be purchased in an institutional size portfolio. Many micro-cap securities don’t trade with enough volume to be efficiently included in products such as index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETF).
What is index in trading?
Indexes provide a helpful benchmark for making all types of comparisons , and also provide snapshots of trends, though not a detailed picture. Indexes react to actual trades, and while investors may trade on the expectation of good or bad news, indexes are mathematical calculations that have nothing to do with emotion.

Total Stock Market Index
- This table provides Total Stock Market Index Funds from four different providers. The objective is to approximate these Morningstar style boxesusing available funds chosen from the two-fund and three-fund tables below.
Table Notes
- For the above tables: 1. The style box numbers were computed by Morningstar Instant XRayby entering each fund ticker as a holding, and entering the dollar value based on the percentage; for example, for VFIAX at 81% and VEXAX at 19%, enter $81 and $19 respectively and observe the computed Morningstar Style Box on the Instant X-Ray tab. Enter different dollar amounts (alway…
Stock Market Classifications
- Style box format
Style boxes use the following format. Numbers shown are percentages. Because values are rounded, the percentages may not total exactly 100%. - Size
Stocks may be classified by the size of the corporation. This is most commonly done looking at the market capitalization. Market capitalizationis simply a measurement found by taking a stock's current share price and multiplying it by the number of stock shares outstanding. Exact market c…
See Also
U.S. Stock Market Typical Sizes
- Micro cap stocks The term micro cap stock generally refers to the stock of public companies in the United States which have a market capitalization of less than $300 million.These companies are generally too small for most large institutional investors to invest in, such as the large mutual funds or large hedge funds. As a general rule, micro cap stocks have tended to under perform th…
Summary of The U.S. Stock Market
- We update the U.S. stocks in our database every night to reflect these size category rule of thumbs. Here is a summary of the U.S. common stocks in our database based on these size categories: The above data is updated nightly. The above data includes common stocks and limited partnership shares in MLPs. It does not include preferred stocks, closed end funds or BD…
Index Size Classifications
- The above size classifications are "rule of thumb" classifications that many people use to classify stocks, including our website. However, stock market indexes are not built using these classifications. Each of the different major index providers (S&P, NASDAQ, FTSE, MSCI, etc...) uses their own methodology to build a "large cap" index. Some index providers will include in thei…
Other Classifications
- There are a few other terms that we use that are size related. Mega cap stocks A mega cap stock is one of the top 50/100 largest companies on the stock market. A mega cap stock is a size classification that is really a subset of "large cap" stocks. The exact definition varies, but mega cap stocks are generally defined as the stocks of publicly trad...