The Nasdaq Decoder Ring, Episode 1: Leadership in Listings

By: Ray Pellecchia

File Under: Miscellaneous

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A classic product of a fine NYSE-listed company, of course!

This post marks the debut of The Nasdaq Decoder Ring, an occasional feature in this space. In each episode, we'll take one of Nasdaq's marketing claims and pass it through this neat Nasdaq Decoder Ring that I got in a box of Cracker Jack. You look through the Decoder Ring viewfinder and apply a little lemon juice, and the reality becomes clearly visible.

If you'll forgive a plug, I'm proud to say Cracker Jack happens to be made by Frito-Lay, which is part of PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP). But I digress.

I lent the ring to my colleague Christiaan Brakman earlier today, and here's what he reported back:

Hey, want to be the biggest, largest or have the most?

Just keep on saying it, in hopes that one day people might believe it, like Nasdaq OMX tried once again this morning, announcing in a press release that Nasdaq "attracted more new listings than any other U.S. exchange" in second-quarter 2008.

Fact is, in the month of June 2008 alone, NYSE Euronext's U.S. markets attracted 42 new listings -- as many as Nasdaq did in the entire second quarter 2008.

NYSE Euronext new listings data is available in our monthly volume release, announced last Tuesday, July 8.

For those really interested in this side of the business: IPO proceeds raised on NYSE Euronext markets in the first half of 2008 were the most of any exchange in the world, approximately 28 times the value raised by IPOs on Nasdaq OMX.

Thanks, Christiaan. That's one cool ring, huh? Get it back to me when you have a chance. I have a feeling it's going to come in handy.