NASDAQ, or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, is a global electronic marketplace for buying and selling securities. It is known for its high concentration of technology companies, including giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. Established in 1971, NASDAQ was the first electronic stock market, revolutionizing the way stocks are traded. Today, NASDAQ is one of the largest stock exchanges in the world, providing a platform for over 3,000 companies. It operates through a computerized system that allows for faster and more efficient trading, making it a preferred choice for investors looking to trade technology and growth-oriented stocks.