Dow Jones Industrial Average and other major indices Stock market indices are an important part of modern stock markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is arguably the most important index in the world. The index was one of several indices first created by Wall Street Journal editor Charles Dow, who also co- founded Dow Jones & Company (the other co-founder was notable investor Edward Jones). The so-called Dow Averages were first published in 1885. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is made up of 30 large publically-owned American companies who play a key role in the American economy. The index started as a list of companies involved in heavy industry, which is why it's called the "Industrial" Average. Today, many of the companies listed on the index have little to do with heavy industry. Companies are added and removed from the index over time to reflect their influence on the U.S. economy. Notable companies currently on the DJIA include: American Express 3M . Goldman Sachs . General Electric DuPont Coca-Cola IBM The DJIA is a list of some of the wealthiest and most powerful companies in America. 1. What is the longest running company in the DJIA? 2. List 10 companies currently on the DJIA. Why do you think these companies are listed with Dow Jones? 3. What companies have recently been removed from the DJIA? Why do you think they were removed