S&P 500 components remain unchanged, popular market stock Robinhood (HOOD.US) unexpectedly excluded.

S&P Dow Jones Indices company stated that in the latest quarterly rebalancing on Friday, the components of the S&P 500 Index remained unchanged. Wall Street analysts often predict which companies will be included before the announcement. This time, the brokerage firm Robinhood Markets (HOOD.US), which was highly anticipated by the market, did not make it. Previously, companies including Bank of America Corp and Barclays speculated that Robinhood would be a popular candidate for inclusion in the benchmark index. Shares of Robinhood rose by about 13% this week, but after failing to be included, the company's stock price fell by 5% in after-hours trading. According to the criteria in March, companies must have a market value of at least $20.5 billion and meet profitability, liquidity, and float standards to qualify for inclusion in the S&P 500 Index. Being included in the American stock benchmark index can enhance a company's image and has become increasingly important with the growth of passive investment funds. Being excluded from the benchmark index may put pressure on stock prices, as index funds will sell stocks to align with the new components of the S&P 500. In previous quarter rebalances, DoorDash Inc., Williams-Sonoma Inc., TKO Group Holdings Inc., and Expand Energy Corp. were added to the S&P 500 Index.