Standard & Poor's considers modifying rules, SpaceX could be included in the S&P 500 Index sooner after going public.

According to sources familiar with the matter, S&P Dow Jones Indices said on Thursday that they are considering modifying the rules on how companies are included in the S&P 500 Index, a move that could pave the way for SpaceX to quickly enter the index after its planned initial public offering. The sources said that the index provider is in discussions with stakeholders to evaluate market demand for potential changes, but no decision has been made yet, and any adjustments would require a formal consultation process. If the rule changes are approved, it could result in billions of dollars in passive buying by funds tracking the benchmark. Currently, about $24 trillion is tied to the S&P 500 Index. Under the current criteria, companies must meet requirements including a minimum market capitalization of $27 billion and a minimum of 12 months of public trading history to be considered for inclusion in the index.