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The Index of America

How the S&P 500 Works & Why You Should Invest In It

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Pub Date Mar 09 2026 | Archive Date Aug 31 2026

Thomas J. Bernard | Tom Bernard


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Description

The Story of the Greatest Wealth Creator in History.

For over a century, the S&P 500 has done more than just track stock prices—it has charted the pulse of American innovation, resilience and growth. Behind the tickers and the percentages lies a story often missed by the average investor.

THE INDEX OF AMERICA: How the S&P 500 Works and Why You Should Invest In It deconstructs the mechanics of the index to reveal how 500 of the largest companies in the U.S. became the bedrock of global finance, supporting an ecosystem spanning more than $270 trillion in global transactions annually. From the historic launch in 1957 to the modern digital era, this book covers what you need to know about the index and how investing in the premier benchmark for U.S. equities—the largest equity market in the world—is a reliable way to build wealth over time.

Whether you are a student of the markets or a seasoned investor, you will discover:

• The DNA of Growth: How the S&P 500 evolved to reflect the changing American financial landscape.

• The Power of the Index: Why simplicity often outperforms complexity in long-term wealth building.

• A Roadmap for the Future: Learn why the S&P 500 Index will help you reach financial independence, while exploring its history, methodology and long-term performance.

INVEST IN AMERICA. OWNTHE HISTORY. FUND THE FUTURE.

The Story of the Greatest Wealth Creator in History.

For over a century, the S&P 500 has done more than just track stock prices—it has charted the pulse of American innovation, resilience and growth...


A Note From the Publisher

I"m a new author, would love your feedback on things I missed on the marketing plan. Please read the book and post a review on Amazon, that would really help.

I"m a new author, would love your feedback on things I missed on the marketing plan. Please read the book and post a review on Amazon, that would really help.


Advance Praise

"An intriguing and fact-filled study of an investing cornerstone, the S&P 500 index. Written in plain English, with an abundance of useful and interesting information. A must for the aspiring investor, a treat for the experienced one.  - Bill Bengen, author of "A Richer Retirement, Supercharging the 4% Rule to Spend More and Enjoy

“This book is a fascinating and fun read that will give you much needed background on the history and construction of the S&P 500 index, and make you a more informed investor.” — Aswath Damodaran, Professor at NYU, Stern School of Business

"An intriguing and fact-filled study of an investing cornerstone, the S&P 500 index. Written in plain English, with an abundance of useful and interesting information. A must for the aspiring...


Marketing Plan

I'm currently working on:

1) building the website,

2) securing reviews and quotes from advanced readers,

3) putting together some posts on instagram and YouTube

4) I've paid for some book reviews on Kirkus and publishers weekly.

5) Loading the book to amazon, ingramsparks, draft2digital for broader distribution

6) Going to record an audiobook version in the next couple months

I'm currently working on:

1) building the website,

2) securing reviews and quotes from advanced readers,

3) putting together some posts on instagram and YouTube

4) I've paid for some book reviews on...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9798994722701
PRICE $4.99 (USD)
PAGES 168

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