broad-base index
An index whose purpose is to reveal the performance of the entire market, such as the S&P 500, Wilshire 5000, AMEX Major Market Index or Value Line Composite Index. Different broad-base indices have different approaches to ensuring that the index captures the entire breadth of market activity. The Wilshire 5000 takes the most all-inclusive approach by including all the stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange and almost all the stocks listed on the NASDAQ and American Stock Exchange.
