The Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. reported fourth quarter 2005 net income of US$17.1 million down from US$17.8 million in the third quarter of 2005, but up from net income of US$7.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Net income from continuing operations for the full year 2005 was US$61.7 million versus net income of US$1.8 million for the full year 2004. “2005 was a highly successful year for Nasdaq, both as a stock market and as a public company,” commented Nasdaq’s CEO, Robert Greifeld, in a release.

“Our financial performance was exceptional, with strong fourth quarter earnings growth from last year capping off a period of increased productivity. We continue to transform our organization by accelerating the pace of innovation in every aspect of our business, expanding our scale and functionality, and pioneering new products and services,” he said.

Greifeld concluded, “The hard work completed over the past two years gives Nasdaq a formidable competitive position. In 2006 we will begin operations as an independent registered exchange on the threshold of historic changes in our industry.”

He indicated that the exchange’s priorities for the coming year are to: complete the INET integration; increase market share of U.S equity trading and company listings; and raise the value of proprietary market data products; along with cost reductions.

For 2006, Nasdaq expects net income in the range of US$57 million to US$69 million for the year.