# S&P 500 — News, Sentiment & Analysis **Source:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/topic/sp-500 **As of:** 2026-09-12 (UTC) **Sentiment:** neutral (50/100) **Sources analysed:** 3 As of 2026-09-12, TrendWatcher scores S&P 500 sentiment as **neutral** at 50/100, based on 3 news sources analysed over the past 24 hours. ## Summary The S&P 500 is a primary benchmark for U.S. large-cap stocks, with trillions of dollars in assets held in passive index funds like Vanguard's VOO and BlackRock's IVV. While these funds are widely used for retirement investing, the S&P 500 index committee maintains strict inclusion criteria, including a 12-month waiting period for new IPOs and a profitability test. This approach has led to recent debate, as the committee opted not to fast-track the inclusion of SpaceX following its record-breaking IPO, a decision that contrasts with the more flexible rules adopted by other index providers like Nasdaq and the Russell benchmarks. Investors seeking exposure to the S&P 500 can choose between various ETFs that track the same index, such as VOO and the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG). While these funds hold identical baskets of stocks, they differ in expense ratios, share prices, and trading liquidity. Financial analysts note that while the S&P 500 remains a core market pillar, the divergence in index inclusion policies may lead to performance differences between it and other market benchmarks, prompting some investors to look toward thematic or alternative ETFs for exposure to high-growth, pre-profitability companies. ## Key points - The S&P 500 index committee requires a 12-month waiting period and a profitability test for new IPOs, excluding companies like SpaceX from immediate inclusion. - Vanguard's VOO and BlackRock's IVV are among the largest S&P 500 ETFs, collectively managing nearly $2 trillion in assets. - Competing ETFs like SPLG offer exposure to the same 500 stocks as VOO but at a lower expense ratio and a different share price point. - The decision to maintain strict inclusion rules for the S&P 500 may lead to performance dispersions compared to other benchmarks like the Nasdaq 100. - Some investors utilize thematic or leveraged ETFs to gain exposure to companies that do not yet meet S&P 500 inclusion criteria. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why is SpaceX not included in the S&P 500? The S&P 500 index committee maintains a 12-month waiting period for new IPOs and a profitability requirement that SpaceX did not meet at the time of its public offering. ### What is the difference between the VOO and SPLG ETFs? Both funds track the same S&P 500 index, but SPLG has a lower expense ratio and a lower share price, while VOO has higher trading volume and larger total assets. ### How can investors gain exposure to companies excluded from the S&P 500? Investors may look to other market benchmarks like the Nasdaq 100, thematic space or tech innovation ETFs, or specific leveraged trading vehicles. ## Latest coverage - [S&P 500 Excludes SpaceX From Index Following Record IPO](https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/c6051fcb-a978-44e0-a1ab-58d51455eac2) — neutral, 2026-06-12: The S&P 500 committee has decided not to include SpaceX in its index for at least one year, leaving investors to seek exposure through other benchmarks. - [US Stock Futures Decline as May Inflation Hits 37-Month High](https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/2abda405-1672-4d30-af5f-2ee3e09b20e1) — neutral, 2026-06-12: U.S. stock futures fell as the Consumer Price Index rose 4.2% in May, marking the highest inflation rate since April 2023 and impacting market sentiment. - [Comparing IVV and VOO: S&P 500 ETF Differences Explained](https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/2cf05773-0097-4bc1-b7ae-a6d1f6045806) — neutral, 2026-06-12: Investors often compare the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). Learn how these funds compare regarding fees, liquidity, and returns. --- Cite as: TrendWatcher, "S&P 500 — News, Sentiment & Analysis", https://www.trendwatcher.in/topic/sp-500 (retrieved 2026-09-12).