Markets

Amazon Set to Join the Dow Industrial Average, Replacing Walgreens

Published February 21, 2024

In a significant shake-up of the esteemed Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), e-commerce titan Amazon is set to join the ranks of the index, effectively replacing the longstanding member Walgreens Boots Alliance. This pivotal change comes as a nod towards the shifting landscape of the American economy, recognizing the dominant role of online retail, cloud infrastructure, and digital advertising in today's market.

Implications for Market Exposure

The inclusion of Amazon in the DJIA is poised to give the investors a revamped exposure profile. As Amazon enters the scene, stocks like MSFT, HON, WBA, and WMT will accompany a company that has profoundly influenced consumer behavior not only in retail but also in cloud computing and advertising spheres. This move comes as a reflection of the evolving economy and the DJIA's ongoing efforts to maintain a relevant representation of the industrial sector.

Understanding the Affected Companies

MSFT, or Microsoft Corporation, is a powerhouse in global technology, providing a range of software and hardware products, including the renowned Windows operating systems and the Office suite. Honeywell International Inc. HON, a diversified technology and manufacturing leader, operates across various sectors such as aerospace and building technologies. With WBA, or Walgreens Boots Alliance, stepping down from the DJIA, its legacy in pharmaceuticals and retail is acknowledged, yet it also underlines the market's transition towards newer business models. And lastly, retail giant Walmart Inc. WMT represents a key player in the vast chain of hypermarkets and discount stores that has shaped the global retail space.

Amazon, Walgreens, DowJones, Retail, Cloud, Advertising