
The market's performance plays a significant role in the reported increase in CEO stock holdings. When the market rises, the value of CEOs' stock holdings also increases, resulting in a higher overall compensation for these executives. This is because a large portion of CEO compensation packages often includes stock options and shares in the company, which are directly tied to the market performance.
The new rules stemming from the Dodd-Frank law of 2010 require companies to disclose how much CEO stock holdings increase when the market rises. This additional disclosure highlights the impact of market performance on executive pay, providing a clearer picture of the total compensation received by CEOs. In essence, a rising market can lead to a substantial increase in the wealth of chief executives, even though they may not directly influence the market's performance.

The traditional measures of executive pay that resulted in four CEOs earning over $150 million in 2023 include salary, bonuses, stock awards, and other incentives. These components are usually considered when calculating a CEO's total compensation. It is important to note that stock awards and stock options, which are often a significant part of a CEO's compensation package, can fluctuate depending on the market and the company's performance.

The new reporting requirements for CEO stock holdings, as mandated by recent regulations, aim to provide more transparency on the potential increase in CEO wealth due to market fluctuations. Companies are now required to disclose how much CEO stock holdings increase when the market rises. This additional information helps to reveal the full extent of executive compensation, which was not as apparent under the traditional measures of executive pay. The new rules are a result of the Dodd-Frank law of 2010 and provide a more comprehensive view of CEO compensation, taking into account the impact of market changes on their stock holdings.