Nasdaq Investor Relations Material

Founded in 1971, Nasdaq stands as an important pillar of global financial markets, primarily known for its electronic stock exchange and the associated index. Nasdaq's innovative approach transformed the trading world, introducing electronic trading that replaced the traditional floor system. Beyond its stock exchange, Nasdaq offers a plethora of services, including market technology, investment management, corporate services, and more.

Founded in 1971, Nasdaq, short for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, represented a significant departure from traditional stock exchanges by introducing the world to an electronic trading platform. Contrasting the physical floor trading of its counterparts, Nasdaq's technology-driven approach revolutionized how securities were traded. Initially, it served as a quotation system and did not have trade-executing capabilities. However, by 1982, it evolved into a full-fledged stock exchange. Today, Nasdaq stands as the second-largest stock exchange by market capitalization, second only to the NYSE, which is operated by ICE.

Besides just the stock exchange, Nasdaq also provides several indices. Established alongside the exchange in 1971, the Nasdaq Composite is heavily weighted towards the technology sector. Due to its tech-centric composition, the index is often viewed as a barometer for the technology industry's strength. As technology companies have grown in significance in the 21st century, the Nasdaq Composite has become a pivotal reference point for investors looking to gauge the tech sector's performance and the broader market's direction. The Nasdaq Composite is one of the most heavily referenced together with indices provided by MSCI and S&P Global.

Nasdaq's operations extend beyond US borders. Globally, it's recognized for its strategic ownership and collaborations with various stock exchanges. For instance, Nasdaq owns and operates several European exchanges, including those in Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, and several others in the region. Additionally, it provides technology solutions, trading, and services to a global network of exchanges and its technology powers numerous marketplaces in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.