Standard & Poor's (S&P) is a provider of financial market intelligence and a division of S&P Global. It is best known for its stock market indices, such as the S&P 500, and its credit ratings, which are used to evaluate the creditworthiness of companies, governments, and other entities.S&P's stock market indices are used as benchmark indices for the performance of the stock market. The S&P 500 is one of the most widely followed stock market indices in the world and comprises 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. S&P also provides indices for other markets and sectors, such as the S&P Global 100, which includes the 100 largest publicly traded companies in the world, and the S&P SmallCap 600, which includes small-cap companies.S&P's credit ratings are used to evaluate the creditworthiness of companies, governments, and other entities. The ratings are based on a combination of factors, including financial strength, management quality, and industry conditions. S&P's credit ratings are used by investors, creditors, and other market participants to assess the risk of investing in or lending to a particular entity. S&P's credit ratings are assigned on a scale, with AAA being the highest rating and indicating the lowest level of credit risk and D being the lowest rating and indicating the highest level of credit risk.S&P also provides other financial market intelligence products and services, such as research and data analytics. The company's products and services are used by investors, financial institutions, corporations, and governments around the world.
