What Is the EGX 30 Index?
Egypt's flagship benchmark — methodology, constituents, and uses
Definition and Purpose
The EGX 30 is the principal benchmark index of the Egyptian Exchange. It tracks the 30 most active listed companies by adjusted free-float market capitalisation and trading turnover. Together, these names typically account for the majority of total EGX market activity.
It is the index most commonly referenced in financial media and used by funds, ETFs, and structured products as the headline gauge of Egyptian large-cap equity performance.
Index Methodology
The EGX 30 is a free-float adjusted, market-capitalisation-weighted index. Each constituent's weight is proportional to the market value of its publicly traded shares — not its total shares outstanding. Strategic holdings, government stakes, and treasury shares are excluded from the float.
The index is reviewed and rebalanced periodically. To remain a constituent, a company must meet minimum thresholds for free float, trading turnover, and disclosure quality.
EGX 70 and EGX 100
Beyond the EGX 30, two related indices exist. The EGX 70 tracks the 70 most active companies outside the EGX 30, providing a mid-cap gauge. The EGX 100 combines both into a single broader index covering the top 100 listed companies by activity.
For diversified exposure to the Egyptian market beyond the headline names, the EGX 100 is often a more representative reference than the EGX 30 alone.
Using the EGX 30 as a Benchmark
Active managers in Egypt often measure performance against the EGX 30 — it is the de-facto local equivalent of the S&P 500. However, sector concentration matters: banks and a small number of large industrials can dominate the index, so a benchmark-relative outperformance can mask significant single-name risk.
For long-term investors, the EGX 30's total return (with dividends reinvested) is a more meaningful number than its price level.
FAQ
How many companies are in the EGX 30?
The EGX 30 always contains exactly 30 companies — the 30 most actively traded names on the Egyptian Exchange that meet the index's free-float and turnover thresholds. The list is reviewed periodically.
Can I buy the EGX 30 as a single product?
Yes. Several Egyptian asset managers offer mutual funds and ETFs that track the EGX 30 or related indices. These provide diversified single-trade exposure to large-cap Egyptian equities.
Does the EGX 30 include dividends?
The headline EGX 30 is a price-return index — it does not include dividends. The EGX publishes a separate total-return version that does, and that is the more accurate measure of investor outcomes over time.