The technology sector’s dominance in the S&P 500 continues to surge at a rapid pace.
Overwhelming Presence
Tech now makes up a record-breaking 30% of the benchmark index, surpassing the combined weight of healthcare and financials. In reality, the tech sector’s true influence could be over 40%, a figure that has been steadily growing this year as tech companies outperform the overall index.
Sector Performance
Fueled by tech, the S&P 500 has climbed 5% since the beginning of the year, following last year’s impressive 26% total return. Notably, the index is outperforming smaller-cap indexes by a significant margin in 2024. The S&P MidCap 400 has seen a modest 2% increase, while the Russell 2000 index has gained a mere 0.5%. A standout performer in the mid-cap index and sole contributor to the Russell’s rise is the tech giant, Super Micro Computer.
The Tech Influence
Despite its weight in the index, the influence of tech companies in the S&P 500 is understated, primarily due to how S&P Dow Jones Indices categorizes them. Many tech-related companies are classified outside the technology sector. For example, Alphabet and Meta Platforms are designated as communication-services firms alongside companies like AT&T. While Alphabet holds a significant 3.8% weighting in the S&P 500, Meta Platforms follows closely with around 2.5%.
Tech Dominance in S&P 500
Amazon’s Influence
Amazon.com holds the title of the largest company in the consumer discretionary sector, accounting for 3.7% of the S&P 500. Similarly, Tesla, known for its electric cars, makes up another 1.2% of the index. However, analysts are quick to point out that Tesla’s technology offerings, particularly in fully autonomous driving, add significant value to the company.
Tech Giants Taking Over
Uber Technologies, a tech-driven company, has now surpassed Caterpillar to become the largest industrial company. When you factor in tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia along with other technology-related companies, the total weight of the tech sector exceeds a whopping 40%.
Challenges for Active Managers
The dominance of technology companies within the S&P 500 has made it a tough benchmark to beat for active managers across the board. The rise of the “Magnificent Seven” big tech stocks has only solidified this trend.
Innovation Driving Growth
According to Todd Ahlsten, chief investment office at Parnassus Investments, the S&P 500 represents an asset class filled with innovation. From cloud computing to industrial automation, the index is a compilation of assets that continue to gain advantage within their respective markets. As total addressable markets and profit margins expand, the tech-heavy index remains on a path of growth.
Tech Weighing on Index
While the heavy technology weighting in the S&P 500 does make it susceptible to a potential tech pullback, the sector has maintained its momentum throughout the year.