The NASDAQ, established in 1971, is a major electronic stock market known for listing tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. It offers various indices, including the NASDAQ Composite and NASDAQ 100, and has become a preferred exchange for growth companies due to its innovation and lower listing costs compared to traditional exchanges like the NYSE.

The term 'Nasdaq' can refer to an index, a stock exchange, or a publicly traded company, making it a multifaceted entity in the financial markets. Despite being established only in 1971, Nasdaq has become a dominant force, particularly for major tech companies, due to its origins during a booming U.S. economy in the 1960s.

The chapter discusses the rise and challenges of the NASDAQ, particularly focusing on the dot-com crash of the early 2000s and its impact on the exchange's reputation. Despite initial setbacks and being labeled as an over-the-counter market, NASDAQ made significant advancements in electronic trading and became a dominant force in the tech IPO scene.

The chapter discusses the rise of NASDAQ, highlighting its embrace of technology and electronic trading, which attracted numerous tech firms. It also covers the various indices offered by NASDAQ, including the NASDAQ Composite and NASDAQ 100, and their significant returns and volatility.

The chapter discusses the logistical and cost differences between listing on the NYSE and NASDAQ, highlighting why some companies prefer one over the other. It explains that while NASDAQ is favored for its innovation and lower upfront costs, NYSE is chosen for its stability and lower volatility, making it attractive to value investors.