Want to invest in the Dow Jones? Learn how to buy a share of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) with ETFs, mutual funds, or stocks. Simple steps for beginners in the U.S.
If you’ve ever wanted to own a piece of America’s top companies, investing in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is a great way to start. But here’s the thing—you can’t buy the Dow directly. What you can do is buy funds or ETFs that track the index.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to buy a share of the Dow Jones average, which investment options are available, and what to consider as a new investor.
A Quick Look at the Dow Jones Industrial Average
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) |
| Founded | 1896 by Charles Dow and Edward Jones |
| Number of Companies | 30 large-cap U.S. companies |
| Type of Index | Price-weighted index |
| Purpose | Reflects the performance of leading U.S. stocks |
The DJIA includes blue-chip companies like Apple, Microsoft, Boeing, and Coca-Cola. It gives a snapshot of how the overall U.S. economy is doing.
Can You Buy a Share of the Dow Jones?
No, you can’t buy a share of the DJIA directly, because it is an index—not a stock or a company.
But you can invest in the Dow through:
- ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
- Mutual Funds
- Buying individual stocks from the 30 Dow companies
Popular ETFs That Track the Dow Jones
ETFs are the easiest and most cost-effective way to invest in the Dow.
| ETF Name | Ticker | Expense Ratio | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust | DIA | 0.16% | Price of 1 share |
| iShares Dow Jones Select Dividend ETF | DVY | 0.38% | Price of 1 share |
ETFs are bought and sold like regular stocks, which means you can trade them during market hours.
Why ETFs?
- Lower fees
- Instant diversification
- Easy to manage from your brokerage account
Mutual Funds That Mirror the DJIA
Mutual funds pool money from many investors and invest in Dow companies.
| Mutual Fund Name | Ticker | Expense Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Fidelity Advisor Stock Fund | FASIX | 0.65% |
| T. Rowe Price Equity Index 500 | PREIX | 0.21% |
Mutual funds are often actively managed and might require a higher minimum investment, like $1,000 or more.
Buy Individual Stocks from the Dow 30
Another option is to buy shares of the companies in the Dow 30 yourself.
| Sample Dow Stocks | Ticker | Price Range (2025 est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Inc. | AAPL | $180 – $220 |
| Microsoft Corp. | MSFT | $320 – $360 |
| Visa Inc. | V | $220 – $260 |
| Johnson & Johnson | JNJ | $150 – $170 |
You’ll need to do your own research and decide how to balance your portfolio, which requires more time and effort.
Steps to Invest in the Dow Jones
Here’s a step-by-step guide to buying a share of the Dow (via ETF or fund):
- Open a brokerage account
Use platforms like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, Robinhood, or Vanguard. - Search for Dow ETFs or mutual funds
Enter the ticker like DIA or DVY in the platform’s search bar. - Decide how much to invest
You can start with just the price of one ETF share, often around $300–$400. - Place your order
Choose market or limit orders. Confirm the transaction. - Monitor performance
Track your investment periodically and reinvest dividends if possible.
Comparing Investment Options
| Method | Diversification | Cost | Effort Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs (e.g., DIA) | High | Low | Low | Beginners |
| Mutual Funds | High | Medium | Medium | Long-term investors |
| Individual Stocks | Low–Medium | Varies | High | Advanced investors |
What’s the Future of the Dow?
With rising interest in tech and sustainability, the Dow may continue to evolve. Although it’s often criticized for being “old economy,” its blue-chip stocks provide stability, especially in volatile markets.
Many experts believe that over the next decade, the DJIA will continue to outperform inflation and offer steady returns to long-term investors.
Final Thoughts
You can’t buy the Dow Jones index directly, but you can own a share of it through ETFs, mutual funds, or by purchasing its 30 component stocks.
For most U.S.-based investors, DIA (SPDR ETF) is the fastest, easiest, and safest way to get Dow exposure.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, the Dow offers solid, diversified exposure to the American economy.
Key Takeaways
- The Dow Jones is a stock market index, not a stock.
- ETFs like DIA are the easiest way to invest in the Dow.
- You can also consider mutual funds or buy individual Dow 30 stocks.
- Investing in the Dow is ideal for long-term, stable growth.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. The stock prices mentioned are estimates and subject to market changes. Investing involves risks, including the potential loss of capital.
