Nasdaq Stock Market

The Nasdaq Stock Market (commonly known as Nasdaq; stylized as Nasdaq) is an American stock exchange and one of the world's largest securities markets by market capitalization. Established on 8 February 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), Nasdaq became the world's first fully electronic stock market, replacing the traditional open outcry trading model with a computerized quotation and trading system. Headquartered in New York City, the exchange is operated by Nasdaq, Inc., a global financial technology and market infrastructure company. Nasdaq has played a pioneering role in the modernization of securities trading through electronic execution, automation, and advanced market technologies.

The Nasdaq Stock Market provides a marketplace for the listing and trading of common stocks, preferred shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded notes (ETNs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), and other financial instruments. The exchange is particularly recognized for listing companies in the technology, biotechnology, telecommunications, healthcare, consumer services, and growth-oriented sectors. Many of the world's largest technology companies, including Apple Inc., Microsoft, Alphabet Inc., Amazon, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, Broadcom Inc., and Tesla, are listed on Nasdaq. The exchange operates multiple market tiers, including the Nasdaq Global Select Market, Nasdaq Global Market, and Nasdaq Capital Market, each with distinct listing and financial requirements.

Nasdaq is associated with several internationally recognized stock market indices, most notably the NASDAQ Composite, which includes nearly all securities listed on the exchange, and the NASDAQ-100, comprising 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on Nasdaq. These indices serve as key benchmarks for institutional and retail investors and underlie numerous exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index mutual funds, futures contracts, options, and other financial products. In addition to exchange operations, Nasdaq develops market technology, surveillance systems, clearing solutions, and trading infrastructure used by stock exchanges and financial institutions in numerous countries.

The Nasdaq Stock Market plays a central role in the global capital markets by facilitating capital formation, liquidity, price discovery, and investment in innovative and high-growth companies. It is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and operates under the oversight of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). As a member of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), Nasdaq contributes to the development of international market standards and financial infrastructure. Its emphasis on technology, electronic trading, and innovation has established it as one of the world's most influential securities exchanges and a leading marketplace for companies operating in knowledge-intensive industries.