Definitions
In plain terms
An index may be assigned 100 or 1,000 on its base date so later values show proportional change.
Technical
The record must identify calendar and valuation timestamp, constituent and price snapshot, methodology version, return variant, currency, and whether history was back-calculated.
Scope
Base date can differ from launch date, first publication date, or first live calculation date.
Examples
- A governed index record identifies base date with its applicable methodology version, effective time, source, and units.
Common misconceptions
- Base Date does not have one universal implementation without the named index methodology, data cutoff, and governance context.
Concept relationships
Where this concept is used
Evidence and governance
- S&P Dow Jones Indices Index Mathematics Methodology S&P Dow Jones Indices · first party methodology
Supports: preferred label, short definition, technical definition
Limits: Authoritative for the provider's indices; conventions are not universal defaults for every index or security-level return series.
- Fintech Builder Glossary Definition Contract The Fintech Builder · internal governed contract
Supports: variant distinction
Limits: Defines governed platform behavior rather than claiming these policies are universally prescribed by external McClellan methodology.
- Reviewed by
- fintech-builder-owner-approved
- Last reviewed
- 2026-07-27
- Next review
- 2027-07-27
- Record status
- published