BSE 200

Over the years, the number of companies listed on BSE continued to register a phenomenal increase; from 992 in to over 3,200 companies by March 1994, with combined market capitalization rising from Rs.5,421 crore to Rs. 3,98,432 crore as on 31st March, 1994.

Though SENSEX (1978-79=100) was serving the purpose of quantifying the price movements as also reflecting the sensitivity of the market in an effective manner, the rapid growth of the market necessitated compilation of a new broad-based index series reflecting the market trends in a more effective manner and providing a better representation of the increased equity stocks, market capitalization as also to the new industry groups. As such, BSE launched on 27th May 1994, two new index series-BSE-200 and Dollex-200.

The equity shares of 200 selected companies from the specified and non-specified lists of BSE were considered for inclusion in the sample for `BSE-200'. The selection of companies was primarily been done on the basis of current market capitalization of the listed scrips. Moreover, the market activity of the companies as reflected by the volumes of turnover and certain fundamental factors were considered for the final selection of the 200 companies.

Choice of Base Year

The financial year 1989-90 was chosen as the base year because of the price stability exhibited during that year and due to its proximity to the current period.

Dollex-200
BSE also calculates a dollar-linked version of BSE-200 index and historical values of this index are available since its inception. (For more details click 'Dollex series of BSE indices')

Source : BSE