Definition ∞ A global index is a financial benchmark representing the performance of a broad market across multiple countries. These indices aggregate data from various regional or national markets, providing a composite view of worldwide economic or asset class trends. They serve as a reference point for investors to gauge the overall health and direction of international financial markets or specific sectors. Examples include indices tracking global equities, bonds, or commodities.
Context ∞ The emergence of digital asset global indices provides a mechanism to track the aggregate performance of the cryptocurrency market, offering a standardized benchmark for institutional investors. News analyses often refer to these indices to report on overall market sentiment and the macro trends influencing digital currency valuations. Debates may involve the methodology and weighting of various digital assets within these global measures.