Prio.

PRIO KNOWLEDGE

S&P 500 Guides

Guides to the S&P 500, from index basics to a structured forecasting process.

START HERE

Browse by goal

BasicsWhat Is the S&P 500?Start with the index structure and roleRead →DriversWhat Moves the S&P 500?Organize rates, earnings, and macro inputsRead →IndicatorWhat Is the VIX?Read expected volatility with contextRead →ForecastHow to Forecast the S&P 500Build a forecast by time horizonRead →
01

Market Basics

S&P 500

What Is the S&P 500? How the Index Works

A practical introduction to the S&P 500's structure, calculation, and role as a large-cap U.S. equity benchmark.

Read →
02

Market Drivers

S&P 500

What Moves the S&P 500? Key Market Drivers Explained

A framework for separating a headline from the several channels through which it may reach index prices.

Read →
S&P 500

S&P 500 Futures Explained: What They Show and How to Read Them

A guide to contract context, overnight information, price differences, and the limits of reading futures as a signal.

Read →
03

Economic Events

S&P 500

How Fed Interest Rates Affect the S&P 500

A framework for reading policy decisions through transmission channels and changes in expectations rather than a fixed rule.

Read →
04

Indicators & Charts

S&P 500

What Is the VIX? Understanding Volatility and the S&P 500

A clear explanation of expected volatility, option-implied information, and the limits of using VIX levels alone.

Read →
05

Building a Forecast

S&P 500

How to Forecast the S&P 500: Indicators and Time Horizons

A repeatable process for organizing evidence without promising a future index level or treating one indicator as decisive.

Read →