NAS100 is the name most brokers use for the Nasdaq 100 index: the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. When you trade NAS100, you are trading the value of that whole basket in one instrument, not the individual shares. You will also see it called US100, US Tech 100 or NDX.
What is inside the Nasdaq 100?
The index is weighted by market value, so the biggest companies move it the most. That means large technology and growth companies (the household names in software, semiconductors, e-commerce and consumer technology) carry a large share of the index. When those stocks move together, NAS100 moves quickly, which is part of why traders like it.
NAS100 vs Nasdaq 100: is there a difference?
Not in what they track. "Nasdaq 100" is the index itself. "NAS100" or "US100" is how your broker labels the contract you trade, usually a CFD (contract for difference) that follows the index price. Futures traders use the NQ contract, or the smaller MNQ, instead.
Why do traders choose NAS100?
- Movement: it typically moves enough during a session to offer clear opportunities.
- Liquidity: it is one of the most traded indices in the world, so pricing is usually tight during active hours.
- Clear timing: the biggest moves cluster around the New York open, so you can plan your day around one session.
- One market to master: focusing on a single index lets you learn how it behaves instead of spreading your attention thin.
Is NAS100 good for beginners?
It can be, with the right approach. NAS100 moves fast, which rewards preparation and punishes guessing. Beginners who do well usually start with a clear framework (market structure, key levels and strict risk management), trade small, and focus on one session rather than chasing every move.
How to start learning NAS100
Learn the vocabulary first (our NAS100 glossary covers the essentials), then a repeatable process for reading the chart, then practise it on a demo account before risking money. If you want structure and feedback, RisePips teaches exactly this, from first principles to live sessions: see how RisePips works or compare the programs.
Trading leveraged products such as NAS100 carries a high risk of loss. This article is education, not financial advice. Read our risk disclaimer.