NASDAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Technology Stock Exchange

If you've heard of NASDAQ, you know it's one of the largest stock exchanges in the world. But what makes it so special? Simple: it is the heart of technology and innovation companies. Founded in 1971, NASDAQ was a pioneer as the first fully electronic exchange, making trading faster and more efficient without the need for a physical trading floor.

2/13/20252 min read

How Does NASDAQ Work?

NASDAQ operates through a digital system where buyers and sellers conduct transactions electronically. Unlike the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which uses an auction system, NASDAQ works with market makers who ensure fair prices and higher liquidity.

Companies listed on NASDAQ are divided into three main categories:

NASDAQ Global Select Market – Large companies with high trading volumes and stricter financial requirements.
NASDAQ Global Market – Mid-sized companies offering a balance between growth and stability.
NASDAQ Capital Market – Smaller companies and startups that are in a growth phase.

Main NASDAQ Indexes

NASDAQ has several indexes that help track company performance. The main ones are:

NASDAQ Composite (IXIC): Includes all companies listed on NASDAQ and is one of the most important indicators of the technology sector.
NASDAQ-100 (NDX): Includes the 100 largest companies in the exchange, excluding financial firms. This index features giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla.
NASDAQ Biotechnology Index: Focuses on biotech and pharmaceutical companies, which have gained a lot of attention in recent years.

Major Companies on NASDAQ

NASDAQ is home to some of the most valuable brands on the planet. Here are a few:

Apple Inc. (AAPL) – The Cupertino giant remains one of the most valuable companies in the world.
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) – Growing rapidly in artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) – Dominating e-commerce and expanding cloud services with AWS.
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) – The parent company of Google and numerous tech startups.
Tesla Inc. (TSLA) – Not only revolutionizing electric vehicles but also the renewable energy market.

How Are Stocks Performing in 2025?

The year 2025 has been a dynamic period for NASDAQ. With the rise of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and renewable energy, several companies in the sector have experienced accelerated growth.

Apple and Microsoft remain at the top, driven by the development of increasingly intelligent devices and AI systems.
Tesla has seen significant stock fluctuations due to increasing competition in the electric vehicle market.
Biotech companies are thriving thanks to new advancements in healthcare, especially in the development of personalized medicine.

Despite some economic uncertainties, NASDAQ continues to be one of the most promising markets for technology investors.

How to Invest in NASDAQ?

If you want to invest in NASDAQ, there are several options:

Individual Stocks: Buying shares directly from listed companies.
ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): Funds that track NASDAQ's performance, such as the well-known QQQ.
Options and Derivatives: For more experienced investors looking to explore advanced strategies.
Mutual Funds: Funds managed by experts that invest in NASDAQ companies.

Conclusion

NASDAQ remains one of the most dynamic stock exchanges in the world, bringing together the biggest technology companies and promising startups. The 2025 market points toward a future increasingly focused on innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence and biotechnology. For those looking to invest, this remains one of the most exciting and opportunity-filled markets. But as always, it's crucial to do thorough research before making any investment decisions!