EASDAQ, also known as the European Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation, is a pan-European electronic stock market designed to facilitate the trading of securities issued by emerging growth companies. The EASDAQ was established in 1996 in response to the increasing demand for a European equivalent to the U.S. NASDAQ market.
As a stock market, EASDAQ operates as an electronic trading platform, providing market participants with a regulated and transparent marketplace for buying and selling securities. It aims to attract small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking capital funding opportunities and offer investors the chance to invest in innovative and fast-growing businesses.
One of the key features of EASDAQ is its focus on technology-based, entrepreneurial companies that may not have established track records but show high-growth potential. It primarily lists companies from various industries such as technology, biotechnology, telecommunications, and healthcare. EASDAQ's mission is to provide these companies with a platform to connect with potential investors, raise capital, and enhance their visibility in the European capital markets.
EASDAQ operates similarly to other stock exchanges, facilitating trade execution and providing transparent price discovery. It offers various market services, including order handling, trade reporting, and market surveillance tools. The market operates with strict regulatory oversight to maintain fair trading practices and protect investor interests.
Overall, EASDAQ serves as a critical exchange platform that aims to promote and support emerging growth companies by providing a marketplace that enables them to access capital, enhance liquidity, and attract investment from both institutional and retail investors across Europe.
