The index ended the year up 12.77%, excluding “USA Today.”

The Nasdaq composite closed today at 16,735.02, with a 0.01% decrease compared to yesterday. The index has gained 12.77% year-to-date. The Nasdaq typically reacts to factors like U.S. GDP growth, corporate earnings, and geopolitical headlines. Over the past 10 years, the Nasdaq has seen a 295.25% gain, outperforming the S&P 500. The top 10 Nasdaq stocks include companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. Investors can track the Nasdaq through ETFs or futures contracts. Nasdaq was initially an acronym for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations.