There is no formal list of blue-chip stocks, nor is there a governing body that determines which stocks are blue-chip. Companies considered to be blue chips share several key characteristics, including:

A strong track record of performance: Although blue-chip stocks are susceptible to the ups and downs of the overall market, their prices have risen over time.
Significant and market-leading: Because blue-chip companies consistently outperform, they grow to be large corporations, with market capitalizations in the billions. They are frequently at the top of their respective industries.

Lower volatility: Blue-chip stock prices fluctuate with the overall market, but they are less volatile over long periods than small-cap stocks and other classifications.
Consistent dividends: Many large corporations pay dividends.

. In fact, it is common for dividends to increase over time.