Final answer:
NASDAQ is an electronic stock market established in 1971 with about 3,600 companies, focused on tech stocks, operating without a physical trading floor and providing OTC quotes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation, more commonly known as NASDAQ, is an electronic stock market. It was founded in 1971 and allows the buying and selling of stocks electronically without the need for a physical trading floor. With about 3,600 companies listed, including many technology-focused firms, the NASDAQ provides quotes on over-the-counter (OTC) securities through a network of computers and technology. Unlike regional stock markets, such as those located in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston, which are found in specific geographical areas and may focus on regional businesses, the NASDAQ operates globally thanks to technology that enables trading beyond the U.S. market hours.