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Salomon Brothers World Equity Index (SBWEI)

Contents

Exploring the Legacy of the Salomon Brothers World Equity Index (SBWEI)

Unveiling the Salomon Brothers World Equity Index

Overview: The Salomon Brothers World Equity Index (SBWEI) emerged as a prominent global equity index, offering insights into the performance of publicly traded companies across domestic and international markets.

Insights into SBWEI

  • Scope: SBWEI encompassed over 6,000 stocks from 22 countries, providing a comprehensive overview of global equity markets.
  • Criteria: Companies included in SBWEI boasted a float value of at least $100 million, ensuring representation of significant market players.
  • Discontinuation: The index ceased to exist in the early 2000s following Standard & Poor's acquisition of Salomon Smith Barney's indexing unit.

Understanding the SBWEI Methodology

Evaluation Approach: SBWEI employed a top-down methodology, evaluating companies based on their float values and assigning weights accordingly.
Global Reach: With constituents spanning diverse sectors and geographical regions, SBWEI offered investors a broad perspective on international equity markets.

Tracing the History of Salomon Brothers

Founding: Founded by the Salomon brothers in 1910, Salomon Brothers grew to prominence as a leading Wall Street investment bank.
Evolution: The bank underwent various mergers and acquisitions, ultimately becoming part of Citigroup in 2003.
Legacy: Salomon Brothers played a pivotal role in shaping Wall Street's financial landscape, epitomizing the elite multinational investment banks of its era.

Legacy of the SBWEI and Salomon Brothers

Cultural Influence: Michael Lewis's book "Liar's Poker" provides insight into Salomon Brothers' high-pressure bond trading culture, shaping perceptions of Wall Street in the 1980s and 1990s.
Financial Impact: The SBWEI and Salomon Brothers left an indelible mark on the financial industry, influencing investment strategies and market perceptions for decades.