Adena Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Nasdaq Inc., reaffirmed the enduring appeal of the United States as a focal point for global investment, particularly highlighting the substantial returns international firms realize by participating in American markets.
During an interview conducted at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Friedman emphasized that investors worldwide are compelled to seek the highest yielding opportunities. "Investment firms have an obligation to pursue the most favorable returns," she explained, illustrating the competitive dynamics influencing capital allocation.
She further highlighted recent trends indicating a significant surge in foreign equity investments within the U.S., citing an increase of $3 trillion in inflows over the last year alone. Friedman stressed the importance of sustaining these above-average returns within the U.S. economy to perpetuate this positive momentum and continue attracting capital from overseas.
Beyond focusing on capital inflows, Friedman discussed Nasdaq's strategic roadmap aimed at expanding company operations beyond simply serving as an exchange operator. This diversification approach is designed to foster ongoing growth regardless of fluctuations affecting marketplace trading volumes.
In discussing public market attractiveness, Friedman pointed out the inherent advantages of the U.S. financial markets for companies seeking initial public offerings. She noted, "The U.S. markets stand out due to their depth and liquidity, complemented by a broad investor base that comprehends the value proposition, particularly for innovative technology companies." This underscores the distinct positioning of American exchanges as premier venues for new equity issuances.