---
title: What is the AEX?
description: Learn what the AEX is, how it reflects the performance of the largest Dutch listed companies, and how investors use this key market index.
---

[Yelza FAQ ](https://yelza.com/faq)

# [What is the AEX?](https://yelza.com/faq/what-is-the-aex)

 Written by [Yelza blogger](https://yelza.com/faq/author/yelza-blogger) | Feb 23, 2026 10:37:55 AM

The **AEX** is the main stock index of the Netherlands.  
It is an index that reflects the performance of the 30 largest and most actively traded companies listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange. 

**image_here**

 

 

 

Companies included in the AEX include ASML Holding, Shell plc and ING Groep.

The AEX itself is not a company and not a share that you can buy.  
It is a mathematical benchmark that shows how the largest Dutch listed companies are performing on average.

When most of these companies increase in value, the AEX rises.  
When they decline, the AEX falls.

The index is calculated based on the market capitalisation of the companies. As a result, larger companies have more influence on the level of the AEX than smaller companies within the index.

 

 

 

 

 

**Short example:

**

The AEX consists of 30 companies. If one of these companies represents 15% of the total value of the index and this large company rises by 10%, the AEX increases by 1.5%, which is a clearly noticeable impact on the index.  
If several large companies rise at the same time, the index will increase more strongly than if only smaller companies rise.

The AEX therefore provides a general overview of the Dutch stock market.  
Investors use the index to see how the market is developing and to compare their own returns with the average performance of the largest Dutch listed companies.

 

 

**Disclaimer: Investing brings **risks. Our analysts are not financial advisors. Always consult an advisor when making financial decisions. The information and tips provided on this website are based on our analysts' own insights and experiences. Therefore, they are for educational purposes only.* *

[View full post](https://yelza.com/faq/what-is-the-aex)

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