The Dow just hit 50,000. See the names that have come and gone over the decades

• The Dow reached key milestones at accelerating intervals: 1,000 (1972), 5,000 (1995), 10,000 (1999), 20,000 (2017), 30,000 (2020), 40,000 (May 2024), and 50,000 (February 2025), with the most recent 10,000-point gain taking less than two years.
• Technology's growing dominance is reflected in recent additions like Nvidia (replaced Intel in late 2024), Amazon (added early 2024), and Salesforce (replaced Exxon in 2020), while industrial stalwarts like Bethlehem Steel, Eastman Kodak, and Sears have been removed.
• The index rallied over 1,100 points on Friday to break 50,000, overcoming recent concerns about Trump's tariff plans and corporate AI spending that had pressured technology stocks earlier in the week.

Dow Reaches 50,000: A Century of Evolution

Key Milestone

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed 50,000 for the first time on Friday, capping a roughly 130-year ascent. The index rallied over 1,100 points at session highs to achieve this historic breakthrough.

Historical Context

Created by Charles Dow in 1896 with just 12 industrial stocks, the index expanded to its current 30 members by 1928. Key milestones include:

• 1972: Broke 1,000 (up 14% that year)
• 1995: Reached 5,000 (up 33%, sixth-best year ever)
• 1999: Hit 10,000 during dot-com bubble peak
• 2017: Crossed 20,000 (up 25% that year)
• 2020: Surpassed 30,000 during pandemic (up 7%)
• 2024: Eclipsed 40,000 (up 13%)

Composition Evolution

The index has transformed from heavy industrial focus to technology dominance. Seven tech stocks now represent the sector's growing market prominence. Recent additions include:

• Salesforce (2020), replacing ExxonMobil
• Amazon (early 2024), joining the "Magnificent Seven"
• Nvidia (late 2024), replacing Intel to reflect AI leadership
• Sherwin-Williams (late 2024), replacing Dow Inc.

Market Context

The milestone comes amid investor concerns over President Trump's tariff policies and AI-related uncertainty affecting technology stocks. The Dow demonstrated resilience, climbing walls of worry throughout 2024-2025.

Selection Criteria

S&P Dow Jones Indices manages stock selection through a committee analyzing company reputation, sustained growth, and investor relevance. No utilities or transportation stocks are included due to separate dedicated indices.

The transformation from industrial stalwarts like Bethlehem Steel and Eastman Kodak to tech giants reflects America's economic evolution over more than a century.