Wilshire 5000 Total Market Index investment & finance definition

A very comprehensive market-capitalization-weighted index composed of over 6,500 stocks. Stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange represent approximately 77% of the value of the index. The Wilshire 5000 included 5,000 stocks when it was created in 1974 but has since been expanded. Wilshire Associates calculates numerous other indexes, including the Wilshire 4500, which excludes stocks composing the S&P 500.