Nasdaq

NASDAQ, which stands for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, is an American stock exchange based in New York City and one of the largest electronic stock markets in the world. It was founded in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) to provide an electronic trading platform for over-the-counter (OTC) stocks.

NASDAQ operates as a fully electronic stock exchange, meaning that trading is conducted through a computerized system rather than on a physical trading floor. It is known for its technology-focused companies and has become a symbol of the global technology industry.

In addition to being a stock exchange, NASDAQ also provides a platform for trading other financial instruments, including options, futures, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It is home to a wide range of companies across various sectors, not just technology. Many prominent technology companies, such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet (the parent company of Google), are listed on NASDAQ.

NASDAQ has a reputation for being a hub of innovation and attracting high-growth, high-risk companies. It is often seen as a competitor to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), another major stock exchange in the United States. Both exchanges play a crucial role in facilitating the buying and selling of stocks and other securities, providing liquidity to investors, and enabling companies to raise capital.