Nasdaq 100
Introduction
The Nasdaq 100, a stock market index that includes 100 of the largest companies traded on the Nasdaq exchange, is set to undergo a significant rebalance. This move comes as a response to the overconcentration of certain tech giants within the index. The rebalance, which was announced on July 7th, 2023, aims to reduce the dominance of these technology megacaps and boost the presence of smaller members.
The Nasdaq 100 Rebalance Explained
The Nasdaq 100 operates as a “modified market capitalization-weighted index.” This means that the weight of each company within the index depends on its stock market value. Though instructions are in place to limit the influence of the chief stocks in the catalog,
A special rebalance can be triggered if the aggregate weight of companies individually accounting for more than 4.5% of the index surpasses 48%. This situation occurred earlier this month, prompting the decision for a rebalance. The rebalance will not involve the removal or addition of any stocks to the index but will redistribute the weights to address the overconcentration.
The Trigger for Rebalancing
The recent rally in Tesla’s shares pushed the aggregate weight above the 48% brink, causing the rebalance. Microsoft currently holds the largest mass at 12.91%, trailed by Apple at 12.47%, Nvidia at 7.04%, Amazon at 6.89%, and Tesla at 4.50%. These firms have been among the key winners in the U.S. stock market’s rescue this year, increasing their mutual stimulus in the Nasdaq 100.
Impact on Wall Street Heavyweights
Ahead of the rebalance, shares of Wall Street’s most valuable companies showed mixed results. Nvidia and Tesla experienced dips of 1.4% and 0.4% respectively, while Alphabet saw an increase of nearly 1%. Apple and Amazon remained relatively unchanged.
Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Amazon, and Tesla have been among the biggest champions in the U.S. stock market’s retrieval this year, increasing their joint influence in the Nasdaq 100. This has assisted the Nasdaq 100 surge of 42% in 2023, likened to a 25% increase in the Nasdaq 100 Equal Biased Index.
Potential Impacts of the Rebalance
The rebalance will force investment funds that track the Nasdaq 100 to adjust their portfolios and sell shares of companies that have their weight in the index reduced. This could outcome in some one-off gains or fatalities. However, the impressions are expected to be unsure overall.
Goldman Sachs approximations that declining masses will drive passive net selling value more than a day’s regular trading volume in Alphabet (GOOGL) and more than one-third of a day’s capacity in Microsoft, Amazon and Nvidia.
Winners and Losers of the Rebalance
While some companies may see a reduction in their weight within the index, others stand to benefit from the rebalance. Broadcom, for example, is likely to see its weight increase in the Nasdaq 100 following the rebalance. The chipmaker currently makes up 2.4% of the index.
Conclusion
The imminent Nasdaq 100 rebalance signifies a significant shift in the configuration of the index. While it may lead to short-term variations in the stock market, the long-term goal is to ensure a more balanced representation of companies within the directory. As the rebalance takes effect, investors and market viewers will be keenly observing the influence on Wall Street’s heavyweights and the broader stock marketplace.
