In a year marked by strong stock market performance and growing optimism, the Nasdaq has outpaced the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for the sixth consecutive year in terms of initial public offerings (IPOs). Data from Dealogic and Nasdaq reveals that Nasdaq hosted 160 IPOs in the first 11 months of 2024, raising approximately $22 billion. In contrast, the NYSE recorded 34 listings, raising nearly $17 billion. This marks the highest IPO volume for Nasdaq in three years, underscoring the increasing appeal of the tech-heavy exchange for new companies looking to go public.
The surge in IPOs reflects broader optimism in the market, fueled by strong stock performance in 2024. The S&P 500 has risen nearly 27% this year, while the Nasdaq Composite has gained an impressive 33%. This robust performance has bolstered investor confidence, with many anticipating continued growth into 2025. Expectations are high that President-elect Donald Trump’s administration will push for deregulatory measures, which could provide a further boost to IPO activity and make it easier for companies to go public.
Among the most notable IPOs to debut on Nasdaq this year were Lineage (LINE.O), which became the largest IPO of 2024, healthcare payments company Waystar, and chip maker Astera Labs. These companies represent a diverse range of industries, signaling that the IPO market is attracting a broad spectrum of businesses eager to tap into public market capital.
In addition to new IPOs, Nasdaq has also seen significant listing transfers from the NYSE. Notable companies such as Palantir Technologies and Campbell Soup Company made the move to Nasdaq, further strengthening the exchange’s reputation as the go-to platform for high-profile listings. This shift reflects Nasdaq’s growing appeal to companies seeking access to a tech-savvy investor base, as well as its competitive edge in attracting large-scale and high-growth firms.
Looking ahead, the momentum from 2024 suggests that the IPO boom could continue well into 2025. Analysts believe that favorable market conditions, along with the potential for pro-business policies under the Trump administration, will encourage more companies to consider going public. With Nasdaq continuing to outperform its rival, it seems poised to maintain its leadership in the IPO space, reinforcing its position as the preferred exchange for the next generation of market-leading companies.
