The Nasdaq (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated

Quotations) is a global electronic marketplace for buying and selling

securities. It was founded in 1971 as the world's first electronic
stock market and is now the second-largest stock exchange in the
world by market capitalization, after the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE).

Nasdaq is known for being a hub for technology and growth

companies, as well as for its high level of liquidity and transparency.
The exchange operates on a fully electronic trading platform, which
allows for fast and efficient transactions. It also offers a range of
other services, including market data, indices, and listing services.

Nasdaq is home to some of the world's largest technology

companies, including Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook. It is
also a popular destination for early-stage tech companies looking to
raise capital and go public through an initial public offering (IPO).

One of Nasdaq's defining features is its focus on innovation. The

exchange has a history of embracing new technologies and creating
new products and services to meet the needs of its clients. For
example, Nasdaq was the first exchange to introduce electronic
trading, the first to offer online trading, and the first to launch an
electronic options market.

Overall, Nasdaq has become a symbol of the innovation and

dynamism of the global financial markets. It is a leader in
technology and a driving force behind the growth of the global
economy.