Founded in 1971, NASDAQ today hosts many of the most valuable companies in the world — including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google’s parent company, Alphabet. It’s become synonymous with tech-driven investing and a symbol of modern market dynamics.

🧭 How NASDAQ Works

Unlike the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ is entirely electronic, using a network of computers and market makers to match buy and sell orders. It supports a wide range of securities, from common stocks and ETFs to options and more.

Trading on NASDAQ happens through a decentralized model, where multiple participants (called market makers or electronic communication networks) compete to provide the best prices, improving efficiency and liquidity.

🧠 Key Features of NASDAQ

• Tech-focused: Most of the world's leading tech companies are listed on NASDAQ.
• Fully electronic: It was the first exchange to use a computerized system for trading.
• Fast and liquid: High volumes and tight spreads make it ideal for active traders.
• Home to innovators: NASDAQ lists many early-stage and high-growth companies.

📊 NASDAQ vs. Nasdaq Composite

It's important to distinguish between the NASDAQ exchange (the actual marketplace) and the Nasdaq Composite Index, which tracks the performance of over 3,000 stocks listed on the exchange. This index is a widely followed benchmark for the technology sector and growth stocks in general.

Another related index is the NASDAQ-100, which includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ — like Meta, Nvidia, and Netflix.

🔍 What Kind of Companies Are Listed?

NASDAQ is home to a broad range of sectors but is best known for:

• Technology: Apple, Intel, Cisco, AMD
• Biotech and Health: Moderna, Amgen, Gilead Sciences
• Consumer Discretionary: Amazon, Tesla
• Media & Communications: Meta (Facebook), Netflix

It’s often seen as a place for innovation, hosting both massive blue-chip firms and newly listed IPOs.

🌎 Global Influence

NASDAQ has expanded beyond U.S. borders, operating in over 50 countries, and even providing technology infrastructure for other global exchanges. Its influence reaches deep into both traditional markets and emerging sectors like fintech, AI, and cloud computing.

🧠 Things to Remember

• NASDAQ is more than a tech exchange — it’s a symbol of growth and innovation in the global markets.
• The Nasdaq Composite Index is often used as a barometer for tech sector health.
• Fast-paced and electronic, NASDAQ appeals to both long-term investors and active traders.
• It’s a platform where the future of business takes center stage — from Big Tech giants to cutting-edge startups.