economy
February 6, 2026
The Dow Just Hit 50,000. See the Names That Have Come and Gone Over the Decades
Many companies have been added and removed in the more than century of the Dow's existence.

TL;DR
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached 50,000 for the first time in its history.
- The index, created in 1896 with 12 stocks, has evolved significantly, now comprising 30 members.
- Company selections are made by a committee considering reputation, growth, and relevance, with utility and transportation stocks excluded.
- The article tracks the Dow's progression through key milestones like 1,000 (1972), 5,000 (1995), 10,000 (1999), 20,000 (2017), 30,000 (2020), and 40,000 (2024).
- The increasing prominence of technology stocks, including those related to artificial intelligence, is noted as a key factor in recent market growth.
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