The Nasdaq Stock Market, based in New York City, is the most active stock trading venue in the U.S. by volume and is second in market capitalization of shares traded, following the New York Stock Exchange. Owned by Nasdaq, Inc., it includes the Nasdaq Nordic stock market network and several U.S.-based stock and options exchanges. While it trades stocks from various sectors such as healthcare, financial, entertainment, retail, and food, it primarily focuses on technology stocks.
February 8, 1971: Nasdaq Stock Market Begins Operations
On February 8, 1971, the Nasdaq stock market began operations as the world's first electronic stock market. Initially, it functioned as a quotation system without providing a way to perform electronic trades.
1971: Founding of Nasdaq in 1971
Founded in 1971, Nasdaq initially served as an acronym for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, marking the establishment of the now significant stock exchange.
1981: Nasdaq's Market Share in 1981
In 1981, Nasdaq traded 37% of the U.S. securities markets' total of 21 billion shares, marking its growing influence in the trading world.
1985: Introduction of NASDAQ-100 Index in 1985
In 1985, Nasdaq introduced the NASDAQ-100 index, which tracks the large-cap companies, alongside the NASDAQ Financial-100 Index, marking a significant development in market tracking.
1987: Nasdaq Referred to as 'OTC' in 1987
As late as 1987, the Nasdaq exchange was still commonly referred to as 'OTC' in media reports and in the monthly Stock Guides issued by Standard & Poor's Corporation.
1991: Nasdaq's Market Share in 1991
By 1991, Nasdaq's share of the U.S. securities markets had grown to 46%, highlighting its significant expansion and influence.
1992: First Intercontinental Linkage of Capital Markets in 1992
In 1992, the Nasdaq Stock Market joined with the London Stock Exchange to form the first intercontinental linkage of capital markets, marking a major milestone in global trading.
1996: SEC Report on Nasdaq Market Makers in 1996
In 1996, the SEC issued a report alleging that Nasdaq market makers fixed prices by avoiding 'odd-eighths' quotes to artificially widen spreads, leading to new rules for handling orders on Nasdaq.
1998: First U.S. Stock Market to Trade Online in 1998
In 1998, Nasdaq became the first stock market in the United States to trade online, using the slogan 'the stock market for the next hundred years,' and attracting many companies during the dot-com bubble.
March 10, 2000: NASDAQ Composite Peaks in 2000
On March 10, 2000, the NASDAQ Composite stock market index peaked at 5,132.52. However, by April 17, it fell to 3,227 and continued to decline by 78% over the following 30 months.
2001: NASDAQ Purchases EASDAQ in 2001
In 2001, Nasdaq purchased the European Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (EASDAQ), which became NASDAQ Europe, marking an expansion into European markets.
July 2, 2002: Nasdaq Inc. Goes Public in 2002
On July 2, 2002, Nasdaq Inc. became a public company via an initial public offering, marking its transition into a publicly traded entity.
2003: Shutdown of NASDAQ Europe in 2003
In 2003, operations of NASDAQ Europe were shut down due to the burst of the dot-com bubble, reflecting the challenging market conditions of the time.
December 2005: NASDAQ Acquires Instinet in 2005
In December 2005, NASDAQ acquired Instinet for $1.9 billion, retaining the Inet ECN and selling the brokerage business to Silver Lake Partners and Instinet management.
2006: Nasdaq Becomes a Licensed National Securities Exchange in 2006
In 2006, the Nasdaq Stock Market's status changed from a stock market to a licensed national securities exchange, enhancing its regulatory framework.
2007: Revival of NASDAQ Europe as Equiduct in 2007
In 2007, NASDAQ Europe was revived first as Equiduct and was later acquired by Börse Berlin, highlighting the revival and restructuring of the European trading platform.
2007: Merger with OMX in 2007
In 2007, Nasdaq merged with OMX, a leading exchange operator in the Nordic countries, expanding its global footprint and rebranding as the NASDAQ OMX Group.
February 2011: Speculation of Counter-Bid for NYSE in 2011
In February 2011, following an announced merger of NYSE Euronext with Deutsche Börse, speculation arose that NASDAQ OMX and Intercontinental Exchange could mount a counter-bid for NYSE, aiming to acquire different business segments.
June 18, 2012: Founding Member of UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative in 2012
On June 18, 2012, Nasdaq OMX became a founding member of the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, committing to sustainable development in the financial sector.
November 2016: Adena Friedman Becomes CEO in 2016
In November 2016, Adena Friedman was promoted to chief executive officer of Nasdaq, becoming the first woman to run a major exchange in the U.S., marking a historic milestone.
2016: Nasdaq's Listings-Related Revenues in 2016
In 2016, Nasdaq earned $272 million in listings-related revenues, reflecting its financial performance and growth in the listings segment.
October 2018: SEC Rules Against Market Data Price Increases in 2018
In October 2018, the SEC ruled that the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq did not justify the continued price increases when selling market data, addressing concerns over pricing practices.
December 2020: NASDAQ Strips Indexes of Chinese Companies in 2020
In December 2020, NASDAQ announced that it would strip its indexes of four Chinese companies in response to Executive Order 13959, reflecting geopolitical and regulatory pressures.