Nasdaq 100 (NAS100/USD)
The Nasdaq 100 (NAS100/USD) is the engine room of modern markets. Loaded with tech giants, growth stocks, and innovation-driven companies, this index doesn’t just move — it accelerates. In this tutorial, you’ll understand what makes Nasdaq tick, how it’s different from other indices, and exactly how to trade its momentum with control and precision.
What Is the Nasdaq 100 (NAS100/USD)?
The Nasdaq 100 tracks 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange. It’s heavily concentrated in tech, but also includes biotech, consumer services, and other high-growth sectors. Priced in US dollars, NAS100 can be traded via CFDs, futures, and ETFs like QQQ. Because it avoids financial stocks and emphasizes innovation, the Nasdaq 100 tends to be more volatile and aggressive than the broader S&P 500.
In short, it’s the growth trader’s index — fast-moving, sentiment-driven, and often leading major market reversals.
Why the Nasdaq 100 Moves
NASDAQ doesn’t wait for slow data. It reacts instantly to risk sentiment, interest rates, and sector flows. Here’s why it moves:
Interest rate policy:
Lower rates favor tech stocks — when yields drop, Nasdaq often surges
CPI and inflation data:
Growth stocks are hypersensitive to inflation expectations
Earnings season:
Big tech names like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta drive large daily ranges
Sector rotation:
Capital flowing into or out of tech shifts Nasdaq direction quickly
Fed guidance:
Dovish tone from the Fed lifts Nasdaq harder than other indices
Risk appetite:
Traders often rotate into Nasdaq during risk-on phases, driving rallies fast
Geopolitical events:
Although less commodity-exposed, it still reacts to global uncertainty
Because it’s filled with high-duration assets, the Nasdaq tends to overshoot both to the upside and downside — especially around macro data.
How to Trade the Nasdaq 100 (NAS100/USD)
Trading Nasdaq requires confidence in volatility. It’s not an index for sideways plays. You need to wait for conviction and then commit with tight structure and clarity.
Intraday traders take advantage of explosive opening ranges and news reactions
Swing traders build setups around earnings cycles, interest rate trends, and tech sector strength
News traders capitalize on CPI prints, FOMC guidance, and tech earnings
Breakout traders monitor compression zones for massive range expansions
To stay ahead of Nasdaq moves, combine:
VWAP and dynamic EMAs to track trending days
Pre-market structure levels from futures sessions
Correlation with yields and DXY for directional clues
Key Characteristics
Volatility
Extremely high — Nasdaq moves fast and often overreacts
Liquidity
Excellent, especially around NY open and tech earnings
Correlations
Strong link to Treasury yields, USD, and the tech sector
Session Behavior
Explosive during NY session, especially first 90 minutes
Best Use Case
Intraday breakouts, macro swing trades, CPI/fed plays, tech earnings runs
Example Trading Scenario
It’s CPI day. Inflation comes in lower than expected. Yields drop instantly and tech stocks catch a massive bid.
The Nasdaq blasts through its pre-market high with aggressive volume. You spot a bull flag on the 5-minute just before the NY open.
Entry: Buy at 15,420.00
Stop Loss: 15,335.00
Take Profit: 15,600.00
Risk-Reward: 1:2.12
When macro and structure align, Nasdaq offers some of the fastest and cleanest trades in the market.
Summary Checklist
Asset Type: Index
Symbol: NAS100/USD
Volatility: Very High
Correlated With: Yields, CPI, DXY, tech stocks
Best For: Intraday traders, earnings plays, CPI and FOMC reactions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nasdaq 100 (NAS100/USD)?
It’s a tech-heavy US index that tracks 100 large non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange.
When is the best time to trade NAS100?
New York session — especially the opening hour and during major news releases.
Why is the Nasdaq more volatile than other indices?
Because it’s loaded with growth and tech names, it reacts aggressively to interest rates and risk sentiment.
How does NAS100 compare to SPX or Dow?
Nasdaq is faster and more explosive. S&P is balanced. Dow is slower and more value-driven.
What is the average daily pip movement of Nasdaq 100 (NAS100/USD)?
The Nasdaq 100 often moves 1,500 to 2,800 pips per day. On news days, it can exceed 3,500.