Nasdaq Achieves Historic First Half in U.S. Exchange History

Nasdaq Inc. (Nasdaq: NDAQ) has announced remarkable achievements for the first half of 2026, marking the strongest start in U.S. exchange history. The company reported an impressive $129.3 billion raised from new listings, a significant milestone that reflects a newly invigorated public markets environment characterized by enhanced confidence and broad sector participation.

This surge in capital raises is attributed to the arrival of landmark companies, which signal a transformative era in the global economy. The positive momentum across various high-growth sectors underscores Nasdaq's position as the preferred partner for businesses aiming to access global capital markets.

A substantial driver of this record capital influx was SpaceX’s unprecedented listing, which raised a staggering $85.7 billion, officially marking the largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) of all time. In addition to SpaceX, several other notable listings contributed to this achievement, including:

These marquee listings not only highlight the diversity of sectors represented on Nasdaq but also emphasize the exchange’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth.

Nelson Griggs, President of Nasdaq, commented on the company’s ethos, stating, “Nasdaq was founded with a clear purpose to build markets that were more transparent, more efficient and more accessible, leveraging technology as the engine to drive that vision forward.” He further noted that the dominance of Nasdaq in the market is reflected in the fact that the ten largest U.S. companies by market capitalization are all listed on the exchange.

Griggs emphasized that the first half of 2026 serves as a powerful reminder of the opportunities that public markets create—not just for companies but also for the individuals who partake in their growth.

Adding to Nasdaq's remarkable achievements is the successful launch of Nasdaq Texas, which debuted as a dual listing venue in March 2026. Under the leadership of President Rachel Racz and with the establishment of an inaugural Advisory Board, Nasdaq Texas aims to enhance capital formation, governance, and market development tailored for the Texas region.

With SpaceX's successful dual listing on Nasdaq Texas, the venue has rapidly become the largest listing platform in Texas by market capitalization, further solidifying Nasdaq's role in expanding access to public markets for companies throughout the region.

The first half of 2026 saw Nasdaq listings span a wide array of sectors within the innovation economy. Highlights include:

From the realms of the internet and mobile technology to cloud computing and artificial intelligence, Nasdaq has become the exchange of choice for companies that define each era of the global economy.

As the innovation economy continues to flourish across multiple sectors and geographies, Nasdaq is poised to build on its first-half momentum. The exchange is committed to modernizing its markets and ensuring that public markets remain a robust engine for long-term growth. The outlook appears bright, as the pipeline includes companies across AI, biotech, energy, aerospace, and defense sectors, all indicating readiness to capitalize on the current vibrant market landscape.

Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading technology platform that powers the world’s economies by architecting the infrastructure of modern markets. The company is dedicated to fostering the innovation economy while building trust in the financial system. Through advanced technology, data, and intelligence solutions, Nasdaq empowers economic opportunities for clients, helping them navigate risks and bolster resilience.

As Nasdaq continues to shape the future of public markets, its commitment to innovation and growth remains steadfast, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the global financial landscape.