The stock market is comprised of thousands of publicly traded companies and north of 3,000 exchange-traded funds (ETFs). But for more than 125 years, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) has been Wall Street's most-watched index.

At its official inception in May 1896, the Dow Jones was composed of a dozen predominantly industrial stocks. Today, it's a 30-component index packed with historically profitable, time-tested, brand-name businesses that have multinational appeal. In other words, it tends to be a stomping ground where investors of all walks can start their searches for foundational long-term holdings.

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Source Fool.com