What is the difference between the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ?
Historically the nasdaq had easier listing requirements and hence alot of smaller companies got their start there. Hence the large number of tech and biotech companies there and the larger number of new issues. That difference has faded away a bit. The main difference has been that there is no trading floor for the nasdaq all the trading is done electronically. There are no people running around in a big room conducting transactions with each other. This has some subtle differences in market behavior at times. Some argue that the “specialists” human traders on the floor of the exchange can smooth out market movements at volatile times. Others that electronic trading is more transparent and creates a level playing field for all while a trading floor lets those on the floor have access to more information. I would say the predominance of opinion falls in the latter camp. Hence virtually every exchange is moving to 100% electronic. This is true of both stock and futures exchanges. That’s
