Nasdaq Inc. is a leading global provider of trading, technology, and information services. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in New York City. Originally established as the world's first electronic stock market, Nasdaq revolutionized the way securities are traded by introducing computerized systems and automated trading. Today, Nasdaq operates as a diversified financial technology company, serving clients across various segments of the capital markets.
One of Nasdaq's primary functions is operating stock exchanges, including the Nasdaq Stock Market, which is the second-largest stock exchange in the United States by market capitalization. The Nasdaq Stock Market is known for its focus on technology and innovation companies. Nasdaq also operates several other exchanges globally, such as the Nasdaq Nordic Exchange, Nasdaq Baltic Exchange, and Nasdaq Commodities.
In addition to operating stock exchanges, Nasdaq provides a range of technology and data services to market participants. The company offers trading and clearing technology solutions, market surveillance systems, data products, and investor relations tools. Nasdaq's technology is widely used by exchanges, brokers, and financial institutions worldwide to facilitate efficient trading and improve market transparency.
Nasdaq is listed on its own exchange, the Nasdaq Stock Market, under the ticker symbol "NDAQ." Nasdaq is also part of various market indices, including the Nasdaq Composite and the Nasdaq-100, which track the performance of listed companies on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Nasdaq's greatest contribution is its trading technology platform, known as the Nasdaq Financial Framework. This integrated platform offers end-to-end trading, clearing, and settlement capabilities, as well as risk management and market surveillance tools. The Nasdaq Financial Framework is designed to streamline the trading process, improve operational efficiency, and provide market participants with real-time data and analytics.
Over the years, the company has been at the forefront of introducing new trading technologies and platforms. Nasdaq was one of the pioneers in electronic trading, and it continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence to enhance its offerings and provide more efficient services to its clients.