NASDAQ

NASDAQ, short for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, is a major global electronic stock exchange. It was founded in 1971 as the world's first electronic stock market and is renowned for its focus on technology companies. 

Here are some key aspects of NASDAQ:

• Market Structure: NASDAQ operates as a fully electronic and automated stock exchange. Instead of physical trading floors, all transactions occur electronically through a network of computers. This technology-driven approach allows for fast and efficient trading.
  
  
• Listing Requirements: Companies seeking to list on NASDAQ must meet certain eligibility criteria, including financial standards, minimum market capitalization, and corporate governance requirements. NASDAQ is known for attracting technology-oriented companies, although it also lists firms from various sectors.
  
  
• Trading Hours: NASDAQ has regular trading hours from Monday to Friday, opening at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and closing at 4:00 p.m. ET. Like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ observes certain holidays when it is closed.
  
  
• Trading Mechanism: NASDAQ operates using a multiple market maker system, which means that market makers (broker-dealers) compete with each other to provide liquidity and facilitate trades. Market makers display bid and ask prices at which they are willing to buy or sell securities, allowing for continuous trading.
  
  
• Technology Focus: NASDAQ has a strong emphasis on technology companies, particularly in the fields of information technology, biotechnology, and telecommunications. Many prominent technology giants, including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google (Alphabet), are listed on NASDAQ.
  
  
• Indices: NASDAQ is home to several well-known market indices. The NASDAQ Composite Index represents the performance of all common stocks listed on NASDAQ. The NASDAQ-100 Index tracks the performance of the largest non-financial companies listed on NASDAQ. Additionally, there are various sector-specific indices and indexes focused on specific market segments.
  
  
• Regulatory Oversight: NASDAQ is subject to oversight by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which ensures compliance with securities laws and regulations. The SEC oversees the fair and orderly functioning of NASDAQ and protects the interests of investors.
  
  

NASDAQ has played a pivotal role in the growth of the technology sector and has become a global platform for companies to raise capital and for investors to trade securities. It is known for its high-tech and innovative approach to trading and has become a symbol of the evolving landscape of financial markets.