Cryptocurrencies, including top meme coins, are in focus this week following news that Coinbase will soon join the benchmark S&P 500 index.

In a press release on Monday, the index confirmed that Coinbase will replace Discover Financial Services to become a part of it on May 19th.

The announcement sent Coinbase shares up more than 25% in recent sessions. Continued buying momentum in COIN stock signals it may be headed to print a new year-to-date high in the months ahead.

What the S&P 500 news means for Coinbase investors?

Winning a spot on the S&P 500 is a significant development for Coinbase as index inclusion often serves as a material tailwind for a company’s stock price.

Part of what drives their share prices up is a meaningful increase in demand that follows a business’s addition to the benchmark index.

For example, exchange-traded funds, pension funds, and other institutional investors tend to focus more on companies that are listed on the S&P 500 index.

Additionally, funds that track the S&P 500 will now have to invest in Coinbase, further boosting the demand for the crypto stock through the remainder of 2025.

Finally, Coinbase’s inclusion in the benchmark S&P 500 index is broadly a vote of confidence in its financial and operational stature, which may sound more appealing to traditional investors.  

What does Coinbase news mean for top meme coins?

On May 19th, Coinbase will become the first and only crypto company to join the benchmark S&P 500 index – a watershed moment for crypto industry, signalling mainstream financial acceptance.