What is NAS100 Exness? Should I trade the NAS100 index?

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When you access Exness, you will see the NAS100 Exness index under the USTEC symbol. NAS100 is popular for Standard, Pro, Zero, and Raw accounts. In this article, EX Trading will help you understand what NAS100 Exness is as well as evaluate the effectiveness of the NAS100 index.

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Understanding NAS100 (Nasdaq 100 Index)

NAS100, widely known as the Nasdaq 100 Index, is a significant stock market index that was launched on January 31, 1985. This index has achieved extensive global recognition, and within the United States, it consistently ranks among the top two most prestigious indices based on trading activity.

Introduction to NAS100 and Common Misconceptions

The Nasdaq 100 is designed to represent the performance of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. This diverse group of companies primarily belongs to sectors like technology, internet services, telecommunications, biotechnology, industrial, and transportation, along with other firms exhibiting strong growth potential. Investors utilize the NAS100 to track the collective movements of these leading businesses.

The underlying Nasdaq exchange, which the NAS100 tracks, is notable for its automated quotation system, which facilitates decentralized transactions. Years after its inception, the Nasdaq 100 Index became a key reference for investors engaged in online trading for volume reporting (typically through derivative products like CFDs or futures). It’s crucial to distinguish between the index itself (which has 100 components) and the broader Nasdaq exchange, which, as of recent data, lists thousands of stocks in total, not just the 100 within the index.

Distinguishing Between the Nasdaq Composite and NAS100

The Nasdaq Composite Index and the NAS100 (Nasdaq 100 Index) are two significant stock market indices that are frequently misunderstood in terms of their composition and what they represent:

Nasdaq Composite: This is the broader and most widely used index, identified by the ticker symbol IXIC. The Nasdaq Composite Index includes virtually all common equities listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (over 3,000 companies). It is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that the performance of larger companies, such as Apple, Facebook (Meta Platforms), Amazon, Microsoft, and Tesla, significantly influences its overall movement. The Nasdaq Composite is often considered a key benchmark for the entire technology industry’s performance due to its heavy weighting in tech firms.
NAS100 (Nasdaq 100 Index): In contrast, the NAS100 is a more specialized large-cap growth index. It is exclusively composed of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, also weighted by market capitalization. A defining characteristic of the NAS100 is its strict exclusion of financial sector stocks, ensuring its focus remains purely on growth-oriented, non-banking industries.

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NAS100 Calculation Rules and Measurement Principles

The Nasdaq 100 (NAS100) is a market-capitalization-weighted index comprising 100 individual non-financial stock components. Its value is determined by calculating the total capital value of all its constituents (number of outstanding shares multiplied by the current price of each share) and then dividing this sum by a specific correction divisor.

While larger companies naturally exert more influence on the index, the NAS100 employs particular rebalancing rules (such as capping individual components at a maximum of 24% weighting) to prevent over-concentration and maintain a degree of balance among its members.

Notable Milestones of NAS100

The NAS100 has achieved several significant milestones throughout its history. In 1998, the index expanded its scope to include reputable foreign companies. A prominent peak occurred in 2000, when the NAS100 surpassed 4,700 points, largely influenced by the dot-com boom.

It’s crucial to understand that while the Nasdaq exchange lists thousands of companies, the NAS100 index itself consistently maintains 100 components, cementing its role as a key benchmark for the technology-heavy market.

Overview: Trading NAS100 with Exness

Among the many equity indices available, the NAS100 remains a highly popular choice for traders. When offered by Exness, the NAS100 CFD (Contract for Difference) provides a way to access the performance of leading global companies based on their market capitalization. These prominent firms include giants like Google (Alphabet), Facebook (Meta Platforms), Amazon, Apple, and Tesla.

NAS100 Index Trading Features on Exness

On the Exness platform, the NAS100 CFD allows traders to monitor daily market fluctuations and gain exposure to its price movements. Exness, as a leading CFD broker with substantial trading volume, leverages the inherent accuracy and reputation of the Nasdaq 100 index (which is regulated by US agencies and monitored by federal exchanges) to enhance the reliability of its offerings.

Exness also provides competitive spreads and features for trading NAS100, enabling traders to speculate on both long (buy) and short (sell) positions based on their market outlook.

NAS100 Operating Hours on Exness

The NAS100 (Nasdaq 100) trading hours on Exness primarily align with the US Eastern Time (ET) zone. Regular market sessions typically run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET. Additionally, traders can access pre-market sessions, generally from 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM ET, and after-hours trading, which extends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET. It’s crucial to note these timings to effectively plan your index monitoring and trading activities.

The NAS100 also observes specific closures, such as shutting down early at 1:00 PM ET on the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 28 in 2025) and on Christmas Eve if it falls on a weekday (December 24 in 2025).

Fees for Trading NAS100 on Exness

When trading NAS100 as a CFD on Exness, the value per point (or tick) can be around $0.10 USD, though this may vary depending on your specific account type and its base currency. Generally, the fees associated with trading NAS100 through Exness are considered relatively low, reflecting competitive spreads (as discussed previously).

Number of Components in the NAS100 Index

The NAS100 index is specifically designed to track the performance of 100 of the most liquid non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. As its name implies, the NAS100 consistently represents these 100 components. While rebalancing events occur periodically where companies may be added or removed, the index always maintains its core 100 constituents, ensuring it remains focused on its defined market segment.

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Distinguishing US100 from NAS100

The terms NAS100 and US100 both refer to the Nasdaq 100 Index, a prominent stock market index. These symbols, along with others like NDX (the official ticker for the Nasdaq 100) and USTEC, are tools investors use to measure the performance of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Effective Trading Tips for NAS100 on Exness

To maximize your effectiveness when trading the NAS100 index on Exness, consider the following essential information:

Continuously Monitor Volatility: Given its tech-heavy composition, the NAS100 typically exhibits higher daily volatility compared to many other major US indices. Therefore, continuous monitoring of its price movements throughout the day is crucial for making timely trading decisions.
Focus on Technology Companies: Recognize the significant influence of technology companies: Over 50% of the index’s components belong to the technology sector. When this market segment experiences strong upward momentum, the index tends to rise sharply, presenting potential investment opportunities for traders.
Understand Dividend Adjustments: While holding physical NAS100 ETFs or index funds would entitle a trader to dividends, when trading NAS100 CFDs on platforms like Exness, brokers typically apply dividend adjustments to reflect the underlying dividends. This is a credit or debit to your position, not a direct dividend payment, and should be factored into your trading strategy.
Practice Strict Leverage Control: You can trade NAS100 with high leverage on Exness. However, due to the index’s inherent volatility, it is paramount to exercise strict control over your leverage to mitigate the significant financial risk it poses to your capital.
Capitalize on Short-Selling Opportunities: Trading NAS100 via CFDs on Exness allows investors to easily go short (sell) the index. This characteristic enables traders to potentially profit from both upward and downward price movements, leveraging market volatility regardless of its direction.

Epilogue

The NAS100 has recently seen significant gains, propelled by the ongoing recovery in technology stocks. Investors continue to monitor for clear signals and major contract announcements, often observed on platforms like MT4. We sincerely hope this comprehensive guide from EX Trading has offered valuable insights, enhancing your understanding of the NAS100 index and empowering you to apply it effectively in your investment strategies.

Should you have any lingering questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Exness support via email, hotline, or directly through their website’s chat function for prompt assistance. We also encourage you to share this article with your trading community to collectively expand knowledge, benefit from the experiences of Exness partners, and foster mutual growth within the market.

FAQ

How can I trade NAS100 on Exness?

You can trade NAS100 on the MT4 or MT5 platforms provided by Exness, search for NAS100 (or equivalent symbol) in the list of trading instruments.

What are the trading conditions (spread, leverage) for NAS100 on Exness?

Spreads for NAS100 on Exness are usually floating and competitive, while leverage will depend on the account type and regional regulations. Details can be found on the Exness website.