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Walmart Joins Nasdaq 100 as AstraZeneca Exits on Jan 20

Walmart Inc. is set to join the Nasdaq 100 Index on January 20, 2026, as AstraZeneca Plc exits, Nasdaq Global Indexes announced. This update follows Walmart’s historic shift from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to Nasdaq last year, marking the largest exchange transfer on record.
The Nasdaq-100 Index, a globally recognized benchmark, tracks the performance of 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on Nasdaq. It spans a wide range of industries, making it a key reference for investors and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) worldwide. As of December 2025, over $600 billion in assets tracked the Nasdaq-100, including the widely followed $408 billion Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1.

Walmart’s Market Growth and Digital Expansion

Walmart’s market capitalization has climbed above $920 billion, driven by strong sales growth in essential goods and increasing consumer demand for low-cost products. The company’s e-commerce operations in the United States are expected to turn profitable in 2026, with notable revenue growth in advertising, marketplace services, and membership programs, according to Bloomberg.

In addition, Walmart has integrated artificial intelligence into operations such as supply chain management, workforce scheduling, and customer engagement. Recent collaborations with OpenAI have introduced AI-powered tools for shoppers, enhancing digital convenience and personalization.

AstraZeneca Exits Amid Revenue Challenges

AstraZeneca’s departure from the Nasdaq 100 highlights a decline from its pandemic-era peak. Revenue from its Covid-19 vaccine has diminished, and investors are focusing on competitors’ obesity treatments developed by companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. The exit underscores shifting market priorities and the impact of post-pandemic performance on index composition.

Nasdaq 100 Performance and Global Influence

In 2025, the Nasdaq 100 posted a total return gain of roughly 21%, outperforming the S&P 500 (18%) and Dow Jones Industrial Average (16%). The index serves as a benchmark for global investment products, highlighting the prominence of top Nasdaq-listed non-financial companies in shaping international portfolios.

Walmart’s inclusion further strengthens the Nasdaq 100’s portfolio, reflecting robust operational performance, market influence, and digital innovation, while AstraZeneca’s exit signals a shift in investor sentiment and industry focus.

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