What is the Difference Between NASDAQ and NYSE?

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The NASDAQ and NYSE are the two largest stock exchanges in the world, both located in New York City. They have some key differences in their trading models, market capitalization, and the types of companies listed on them. Here are the main differences between NASDAQ and NYSE:

  1. Trading Models: The NYSE is an auction market, where the highest bid for a stock matches the lowest asking price. In contrast, NASDAQ is a dealer market, where buying and selling happen in split seconds electronically through dealers.
  2. Market Capitalization: The NYSE has a larger market capitalization than NASDAQ, which is known for its large selection of technology stocks.
  3. Types of Companies: Companies listed on NASDAQ are often technology-based, upcoming companies with massive potential, while companies listed on the NYSE are traditionally long-lasting companies with huge turnovers.
  4. Trading Volume: NASDAQ carries out about 1.8 billion trades per day, more than any other United States stock exchange.
  5. Trading Floor: The NYSE provides a physical auction, whereas NASDAQ is completely electronic.
  6. Prestige: For many investors, the NYSE carries more prestige because of its history, traditional trading floor operations, and stock offerings. However, for others, prestige is irrelevant.

In summary, NASDAQ is often associated with high-tech, growth-oriented companies, while the NYSE is known for listing established, blue-chip companies. The trading models, market capitalization, and types of companies listed on each exchange are some of the key differences between NASDAQ and NYSE.

Comparative Table: NASDAQ vs NYSE

Here is a table summarizing the differences between the NASDAQ and NYSE:

Feature NASDAQ NYSE
Founded 1971 by NASDAQ OMX Group 1792 when 24 brokers signed the Buttonwood Agreement
Type of Market Dealer's market Auction market
Leader in Market share and volume of share trading The accrued market capitalization of NYSE's listed companies
Nature of Shares Traded Growth-oriented and more volatile Stable and well-established
Location New York City, with a physical presence in the MarketSite tower at Times Square New York City, with an iconic location on Wall Street
Trading Mechanism Fully automated trading Human specialists monitor and occasionally carry out electronic trading
Listing Costs Lower listing fees compared to NYSE Higher listing fees compared to NASDAQ

Both the NASDAQ and NYSE are located in New York City and are the two largest stock exchanges in the world. The NASDAQ is known for its large selection of technology stocks, while the NYSE is known for listing stocks of well-known, established companies. The trading mechanism on the NASDAQ is fully automated, while the NYSE still uses human specialists to monitor and occasionally carry out its electronic trading. Companies may choose to list on either exchange based on factors such as trading volume, listing costs, and the type of shares they are offering.