For many first-time investors, some financial market terminology can be confusing. A question that often crops up is ‘what is the difference between the Nasdaq and the nasdaq100?’. Effectively this question can be answered by defining the difference between a ‘Stock Exchange’ and a ‘Stock Exchange Index’.

What is a stock exchange?

A Stock Exchange is a marketplace where the buyers and sellers of company stock (aka shares) can transact.

The owners of Stock Exchanges oversee that the companies whose stock is listed adhere to rules that ensure fair market conditions for buyers and sellers. In short, they make sure that companies are continually disclosing information that buyers and sellers would deem necessary to make informed financial decisions regarding the buying, holding, or selling of stock.

The organisations that oversee Stock Exchanges earn the bulk of their revenue from transaction fees. In fact, Stock Exchange companies can be incredibly lucrative. In 2020, the largest Stock Exchange in the world, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), generated US $50.9 billion in revenue.  The next largest Stock Exchange in the world, the Nasdaq, generated US $5.6 billion in revenue in the same year.

Interestingly, many organisations that own exchanges are themselves listed on exchanges. The owner of the NYSE, Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE), can be found on none other than the NYSE. The owner of the Nasdaq, Nasdaq Inc (NASDAQ: NDAQ), is, of course, listed on the Nasdaq.

What is a stock exchange index?

A Stock Exchange Index is a way to measure the stock performance of companies listed on Stock Exchanges. Companies can be grouped by size, industry, or several other categorisations.

The performance of the companies in an index informs the performance of the index. Essentially, if the share price of the companies in the index are rising, so will the index.

A Stock Exchange Index may measure the entire Stock Exchange or only a section of the Stock Exchange. For example, the Nasdaq 100 measures the performance of the largest 100 companies that are listed on the Nasdaq. The Nasdaq Composite is a similar Stock Exchange Index, except this Index does not discriminate. As such, the Nasdaq Composite is representative of all 3,700 companies listed on the Nasdaq.


Risk Warning: Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to trade foreign exchange, you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and, therefore, you should not invest money you cannot afford to lose. You should make yourself aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading and seek advice from an independent financial adviser if you have any questions or concerns as to how a loss would affect your lifestyle.

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD trades sideways near 1.0900 amid cautious optimism

EUR/USD trades sideways near 1.0900 amid cautious optimism

EUR/USD trades sideways near 1.0900 on Tuesday. The US Dollar looks to stabilize amid cautious optimism, as uncertainty over the US presidential election outcome lingers. US ISM Services PMI is also in focus, as Americans head to the polls. 

EUR/USD News
GBP/USD clings to modest gains below 1.3000, awaits US election result

GBP/USD clings to modest gains below 1.3000, awaits US election result

GBP/USD trades marginally higher on the day but remains below 1.3000 after finding support near 1.2950 on a broadly subdued US Dollar. Traders eagerly await the outcome of the US presidential election, refraining from placing fresh bets on the major. 

GBP/USD News
USD/JPY gains traction to near 152.50 amid cautious mood

USD/JPY gains traction to near 152.50 amid cautious mood

USD/JPY has found fresh demand and tests 152.50 in Asian trading on Tuesday, tracking the US Dollar price action. The pair's upside appears capped by strong Japanese PMI data and a cautious market mood. Traders remain wary as Americans head to polls this Tuesday. 

USD/JPY News

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD trades sideways near 1.0900 amid cautious optimism

EUR/USD trades sideways near 1.0900 amid cautious optimism

EUR/USD trades sideways near 1.0900 on Tuesday. The US Dollar looks to stabilize amid cautious optimism, as uncertainty over the US presidential election outcome lingers. US ISM Services PMI is also in focus, as Americans head to the polls. 

EUR/USD News
GBP/USD clings to modest gains below 1.3000, awaits US election result

GBP/USD clings to modest gains below 1.3000, awaits US election result

GBP/USD trades marginally higher on the day but remains below 1.3000 after finding support near 1.2950 on a broadly subdued US Dollar. Traders eagerly await the outcome of the US presidential election, refraining from placing fresh bets on the major. 

GBP/USD News
Gold holds steady below $2,750 as markets gear up for US election

Gold holds steady below $2,750 as markets gear up for US election

Gold attracts dip-buyers after touching a one-week low on Tuesday and trades above $2,740. XAU/USD draws support from a combination of factors. Fed rate cut bets, declining US bond yields and subdued USD demand continue to act as a tailwind for the precious metal. 

Gold News
Crypto markets brace for volatility in tight race between Trump and Harris

Crypto markets brace for volatility in tight race between Trump and Harris

The US presidential election is one of the most significant events in the world. Due to the influence of the country’s political decisions, policies, and economic approaches, it can significantly impact crypto and global markets. 

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US presidential election outcome: What could it mean for the US Dollar?

US presidential election outcome: What could it mean for the US Dollar? Premium

The US Dollar has regained lost momentum against its six major rivals at the beginning of the final quarter of 2024, as tensions mount ahead of the highly anticipated United States Presidential election due on November 5.

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