S&P-500 This index is created and maintained by the S&P Index Committee, a team of economists and index analysts. This index focuses on on the large-cap segment of the market, with over 80% coverage of U.S. equities. There are multiple criteria that a security must meet for initial eligibility for inclusion to this index. Some of the criteria are as follows: market capitalization in excess of $4 billion; four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings; public float of at least 50%; must be an operating company - closed-end funds, partnerships, holding companies and royal trusts are not eligible; Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are eligible; Companies that substanstially violiate one or more of the criteria for inclusion are subject fro removal from the index. Visit the Standard & poors Indices webpage for complete details about this index.