In fact, the month just ended was the best for the index since December 1991.

That would be the best such stretch for the index since 1954-55, when it rose 73.9 percent.

The decline, 7.6 percent, was the worst daily performance for the index since the summer of 1998.

This is the fastest 1000-point rise ever for the index.

Its first use was for the index to the Biblical and other lessons to be read in church.

It was the largest monthly rise for the index in a year.

It was just the second advance for the index in the last eight trading days.

It was the second straight monthly drop for the index.

Companies are chosen for the index based on an assessment of their economic, environmental and social practices.

The criteria for the index has changed since its first publication.