Nasdaq paves the way for SpaceX and OpenAI to quickly join a premier index after IPOs

Nasdaq has approved a "fast entry" rule allowing newly public megacap companies to join the Nasdaq-100 index more quickly, accelerating inclusion for high-profile IPOs expected in 2026. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, plans to confidentially file for an IPO as early as June, positioning it as the first major beneficiary of the new rule. AI giants OpenAI and Anthropic are targeting fourth-quarter IPOs, potentially fast-tracking their entry into the elite index under the revised criteria. The rule change reflects Nasdaq’s push to attract high-growth tech firms by reducing the traditional waiting period for index eligibility. This move aligns with a wave of anticipated blockbuster IPOs, signaling a shift in how premier indices adapt to rapidly scaling private companies.