There has been ongoing speculation that Robinhood and AppLovin could join the S&P 500 because they are the largest U.S. companies based on market capitalization that aren’t already in the benchmark index. AppLovin is valued at $123 billion and Robinhood at $93 billion.

Key Points S&P 500 index funds have proven to be solid long-term investments. The Schwab U.S. Dividend ETF offers a higher current dividend yield. Dividend growth stocks like the ones SCHD holds have historically delivered higher returns with less volatility compared to the S&P 500.

SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF offers lowest expense ratio, strong long-term returns, & excellent liquidity for retail investors. See why I initiated buy rating on SPLG.

Stock futures are slightly higher Friday morning as the market looks to close out the first week of earnings-reporting season on a high note.

Investing in an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 gives you exposure to 500 or so of the largest and best companies on the market, essentially giving you the opportunity to grow your money along with the market. The large number of stocks, plus the index's regular changing of its components based on how they grow or shrink, minimizes your risk.

ProShares Ultra S&P500 ETF offers leveraged exposure, amplifying both gains and losses. Read why we do not recommend SSO as a buy-and-hold kind of investment.

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq edged to another all-time high on Friday, building on the previous day's record run as strong economic data and earnings reports painted a picture of a resilient U.S. economy.

The S&P 500 index is meant to be broadly representative of the U.S. economy. The well-known index is also a key gauge for tracking the U.S. stock market. The S&P 500 is what just about everyone uses to monitor the performance of the U.