JustChartsWhat Is US30? The Dow Jones Index Explained for Traders
US30 is the name many brokers give to a CFD on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a price-weighted index of 30 large US companies. The underlying stocks trade 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. New York time, but US30 CFDs and Dow futures trade almost 24 hours a day, five days a week, following the futures market.
Key facts
- Tracks
- Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)
- Number of stocks
- 30 large US companies
- Weighting
- price-weighted (higher-priced stocks count more)
- Cash session
- 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. New York time
- E-mini Dow futures
- $5 per index point per contract
What is the Dow Jones Industrial Average?
Created by Charles Dow in 1896, the DJIA is one of the oldest stock indices in the world. Today it tracks 30 large US companies across industries such as technology, finance, healthcare and consumer goods.
Why “price-weighted” matters
Unlike the S&P 500, which weights companies by market value, the Dow weights them by share price. A $1 move in a $500 stock moves the index as much as a $1 move in a $50 stock, so the highest-priced shares have the biggest influence — regardless of company size.
US30 trading hours
- Cash market: 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. New York time, Monday to Friday.
- Futures and most US30 CFDs: nearly 24 hours from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon New York time, with a daily break around 5:00–6:00 p.m. New York time.
- The biggest moves usually come at the 9:30 a.m. cash open and around US data at 8:30 a.m. or Fed decisions at 2:00 p.m.
What moves US30?
- Earnings of its largest-priced members.
- Interest-rate expectations — see FOMC decisions and CPI.
- US economic data such as NFP.
- Overall risk sentiment and global news.
How much is one point worth?
It depends on the product. E-mini Dow futures are $5 per index point and Micro E-mini Dow futures $0.50 per point. US30 CFDs are set by each broker — often $1 per point per lot, but check your contract specification. A 300-point day on a $5-per-point contract is $1,500.
Frequently asked questions
Is US30 the same as the Dow Jones?
US30 is a broker’s name for a CFD that tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average, so its price follows the Dow (usually via the futures market).
What time does US30 open?
The underlying stock market opens at 9:30 a.m. New York time, but US30 CFDs usually trade almost 24 hours from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon New York time.
Why is the Dow price-weighted?
That was how Charles Dow first calculated it in the 1890s — by averaging share prices — and the method has been kept, adjusted by a divisor for splits and changes.
What is the difference between US30 and US500?
US30 tracks the 30-stock, price-weighted Dow; US500 tracks the S&P 500, which covers about 500 large US companies weighted by market value.
Put it into practice
Live charts, an economic calendar and trading calculators — free with a JustCharts account.
Open the live Dow Jones chartThis article is for education only and is not financial advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high risk of losing money. Contract sizes, trading hours and leverage limits vary by broker and country — always check your own broker’s specifications.