<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations . (December 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations . (December 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The NASDAQ Composite (ticker symbol ^ IXIC) is a stock market index of the common stocks and similar securities (e.g. ADRs, tracking stocks, limited partnership interests) listed on the NASDAQ stock market . Along with the Dow Jones Average and S&P 500 it is one of the three most - followed indices in US stock markets . The composition of the NASDAQ Composite is heavily weighted towards information technology companies . </P> <P> After launching in 1971 with 50 companies and a starting value of 100, the NASDAQ Composite peaked at a high of 5,132.52 (and a closing price of 5048.62) on March 10, 2000 during the first Internet bubble, and subsequently fell to a low of 1,108.49 on October 10, 2002 when the bubble burst . On April 23rd 2015, after over 15 years, the index made a new closing high of 5,056.06 . On June 18, 2015, the index made a new all - time high of 5,143.32, finally surpassing the high made during the tech bubble . On January 17, 2018, the Nasdaq finally achieved a new inflation - adjusted closing high from March 10, 2000 . The NASDAQ 100, whose components are a subset of the NASDAQ Composite's, accounts for over 90% of the NASDAQ Composite's movement, and there are many ETFs tracking its performance . </P>

What is the stock symbol for nasdaq index