Not an absolute indicator, but a needed gauge. It's a reliable index for those that understand it, and the need for it. The index of 30 acts sort of like a "bell weather index".

It is a reliable indicator. It reduces down to a control group. It is of course not the only indicator.

The DOW is ONE indicator. 

Yes..it's the Dow Jones Industrial Avg.  I believe those others may be in Nasdaq.  Regardless, personally, I think the S&P 500 Index is a better indication.  But, typically they move together as there's lots of overlap.

Pete Xavier with X Group Real Estate Advocates is well-versed with the stock market.... 

It is one of many indicators.  

I know it only includes about 30 and actually checked the list about a month ago. It is just a barometer and not to be totally relied on.

Yes, I do.  

It seemed to be a good indicator a few weeks ago when trump was bragging about the economy.

It was the gold standard last week according to a really lot of people who were bragging on it.

However, it is the most recognizable index, not necessarily the best. 

Good luck with your investments.

I agree to some point but, as Pete Xavier with X Group Real Estate Advocates mentioned, it's but one source and a needed gauge.

One of many indicators, and sure did throw a few into a whirlwind.

It's one indicator, just like Puxatony Phil.

DJIA actually tells you more than you believe. GE is getting kicked out as the large loss and low price impact the market trend.

Amzn, Alphabet may disappear all together but Thomas Edison's company GE will remain and remain to be a company. 

Fred Griffin As Pete Xavier with X Group Real Estate Advocates it is an indicator and representative of the entire market.

The Dow is a good indicator and gauge but is no longer the indicator that it once was of the entire stock market.  Broader indexes such as the NASDAQ tell a better story about the overall market.  They do usually run together, especially directionally.

Not any longer, i think they should shuffle what is and is not in there. What goes up goes down, what goes down, goes up. 

Yes, I did know that. Pete Xavier with X Group Real Estate Advocates said it perfectly.

It's just one indicator ...

It is an indicator of what may be happening, but the day traders now days influence the market a lot also

That's a great question for me to ask my investment advisor. 

No, it's just that - an "indicator".

Thank you.

It is great to hype the public!

Joe Pryor nailed this one!

Fred Griffin - well, it's been there historically - without any changes and consideration to throw out someone to give place to the new giants. So, even if it is a wrong indicator, people are scared when it goes down 1,175 points!

The dow goes ow!  What can you do? It does what it wants when it wants