We can watch and track each of these different markets in their own way, but you will need to get the various ticker symbols compiled to develop your watch lists.
Market Indexes
- S&P 500 > SPX
- Dow Jones Industrial Average > INDU
- Nasdaq 100 > NDX
- Russell 2000 > RUT
Exchange Traded Funds
- S&P 500 > SPY
- Dow Jones Industrial Average > DIA
- Nasdaq 100 > QQQ
- Russell 2000 > IWM
Futures Contracts
- S&P 500 > /ES
- Dow Jones Industrial Average > /YM
- Nasdaq 100 > /NQ
- Russell 2000 > /TF
If you’re using Mutual Funds to invest in, you will need to locate their various 5 letter ticker symbol. Generally, they can be found on your account statement. Remember, mutual funds are not something that traders tend to use. The fees associated with them and the accompanying lack of control usually leaves traders looking to other instruments to trade. Mutual funds do not have options contracts – so you don’t have access to cash flow or protection. They also do not trade during the trading day – so your ability to exit is limited. Stay away from Mutual funds if you can, and start using your own ability to buy and sell the 4 tradable instruments – Stocks, Options, Futures and Forex.