NAS100 and US30 are the two US indices most retail traders choose between. Both can be traded profitably; they simply behave differently.
What they track
- NAS100 (Nasdaq 100): 100 large non-financial Nasdaq companies, weighted by market value and heavy in technology and growth.
- US30 (Dow Jones Industrial Average): 30 large US companies across sectors, weighted by share price.
How they move
Both are active around the New York open. NAS100 is generally driven by large technology names and reacts strongly to interest-rate expectations; US30 has a broader sector mix. Point sizes and typical daily ranges differ, so a "50-point" move means different things on each.
Spreads and costs
Spreads on both vary by broker and time of day: tightest during the New York session, wider around the daily break and during news. Compare your broker's actual spreads at the times you trade.
Which is better for beginners?
The better choice is the one you study deeply. Switching between indices means relearning behaviour each time. Many traders choose NAS100 for its clear session behaviour and liquidity, then specialise.
RisePips focuses on NAS100 only, so every lesson, session and review builds on the same market; see how it works.
Trading leveraged products such as NAS100 carries a high risk of loss. This article is education, not financial advice. Read our risk disclaimer.