Nasdaq and Easdaq - it just feels right

Despite the current market downturn, it wouldn't be difficult for the bosses of the high-tech Nasdaq exchange to feel the future is theirs.

Nasdaq has taken control of Easdaq, a pan-European exchange which also targets up-and-coming tech players. However, until now, Easdaq hasn't set the world on fire for two big reasons, failing to achieve critical mass (it only has around 60 companies listed) nor profile (Autonomy and ntl are arguably its two biggest names).

That will change, as investors and companies looking to the markets - albeit in at least a few months - will find a Brussels plus New York Nasdaq combination attractive.

Almost exactly a year ago, Vivienne Cassley of Easdaq told silicon.com that achieving Nasdaq's level of brand recognition and respect takes time. Now Easdaq can cut that corner.

At the same time, Nasdaq has the European part of the puzzle answered. True, there may yet be deals with one of the big boys - the LSE surely can't afford to discount such a move - but Easdaq will sit well with the culture of the electronic exchange and of course the infant Nasdaq Japan operations.

Indeed, the prospect of an exchange offering around-the-clock trading of some of the world's brightest companies is compelling.

Add to this deals with the best futures exchanges - Nasdaq yesterday inked a tie-up with Liffe (the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange) - and it isn't hard to wonder what resistance more venerable institutions can muster.

Nasdaq's stock is rising - and soon it will be able to trade it around the world.