The stock market on May 17, 1979
May 17, 1979, a Thursday. The S&P 500 rose 1.54% to close at 99.94. Of 4,516 US stocks that traded, 1,919 rose and 604 fell.
The S&P 500+1.54%closed at 99.94
How big a move#2,902of 24,799 trading days since 1928
$100 in the index since$7,709price only, to September 24, 2026
Stocks that rose1,919of 4,516; 604 fell
Biggest companyInternational Business Machines Corporationby market value that day
Last day of trading for1stock
Biggest rises among the 500 largest companies
| GPU Inc (General Public Utilities) (GPU) | +10.3% |
| Santa Fe International (SAF) | +9.2% |
| Foot Locker (Z) | +7.7% |
Biggest falls among the 500 largest companies
| Genuine Parts (GPC) | -5.6% |
| First Charter Financial (FCF) | -4.5% |
| Sonat Inc. (SNT) | -2.8% |
Stock moves count dividends; the index is price only. Market values after 2024 are estimates.
‹ May 16, 1979 · Every May 17 · May 18, 1979 ›
Ask the Lab what came after a day like thisHistory, not advice. How these numbers are made.