Advertisement
MS vs NDAQ
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Morgan Stanley (MS) vs. Nasdaq (NDAQ) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- MS is a global bank and wealth-management leader, while NDAQ is an exchange operator transitioning toward recurring technology and data revenue.
- Morgan Stanley trades at a notably lower valuation (roughly 14x trailing earnings) than Nasdaq (roughly 27x), reflecting different growth and risk profiles.
- Morgan Stanley's recent earnings were strong but the stock pulled back as investors debated the durability of the capital-markets cycle.
- Nasdaq has delivered double-digit revenue growth across all divisions, with record IPO (initial public offering) activity and index assets surpassing $1 trillion.
- Both companies are "Buy"-rated by consensus analysts, but their market positioning, momentum, and catalysts differ meaningfully.
Introduction
Investors comparing financial-sector stocks often face a choice between established banking franchises and faster-growing market-infrastructure businesses. That is the core tension in a stock comparison of Morgan Stanley and Nasdaq. MS represents a traditional, deposit-heavy financial institution expanding its wealth and asset-management reach, while NDAQ is a technology-oriented exchange and data provider. This comparison is most relevant to traders and investors weighing relative performance, valuation, and exposure to capital-markets activity versus recurring, software-like revenue. Understanding how each company performs in the current market environment helps clarify which profile may better suit a given strategy or risk tolerance.
MS Overview and Recent Performance
Morgan Stanley is a diversified global financial-services firm operating through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments, with roughly $8.4 trillion in client assets. In recent weeks, the company reported third-quarter results that exceeded consensus expectations, with revenue rising about 12% year over year to roughly $20.3 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.03. Return on tangible common equity (ROTCE), a key profitability measure, remained above 20% for a fifth consecutive quarter.
Despite these results, MS shares declined modestly following the release, as investors weighed a softer asset-management segment and the sustainability of the current trading and IPO cycle. Wealth Management remained a bright spot, posting record net new assets of approximately $232 billion and a pre-tax margin near 30%. Over the past month, the stock has pulled back roughly 10% to 12%, and it has lagged the broader market on a year-to-date basis, reflecting investor caution about fee compression and capital-markets cyclicality.
NDAQ Overview and Recent Performance
Nasdaq, Inc. is an exchange operator and financial-technology company organized into Capital Access Platforms, Financial Technology, and Market Services segments. It has increasingly emphasized recurring revenue from data, indexes, and software, with annualized recurring revenue (ARR) and annualized software-as-a-service (SaaS) revenue both growing at a double-digit pace in recent quarters. In its most recent reported quarter, net revenue rose about 15% to $1.5 billion, with non-GAAP EPS up roughly 25% year over year.
Recent market activity has favored NDAQ, which benefited from a historically active IPO environment, including the listing of SpaceX, the largest IPO in exchange history, and a 74% win rate on new operating-company listings. Index exchange-traded product assets under management (AUM) surpassed $1 trillion for the first time. The stock trades above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, signaling positive momentum, though its valuation remains considerably higher than Morgan Stanley's, reflecting expectations for continued durable growth.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates a large ecosystem of AI-driven trading tools, including hundreds of AI Trading Bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers across varied strategies and timeframes. Because not every bot suits every market regime, Tickeron curates a dedicated Trending AI Robots section featuring only the bots best aligned with current market conditions. These robots differ in trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and the specific sets of tickers they trade, giving users a range of options matched to distinct objectives and risk preferences. For traders evaluating names such as MS and NDAQ, reviewing the curated robots can provide an additional, data-driven perspective on positioning. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to see which strategies are currently leading.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies occupy different ends of the financial-services spectrum. MS is a balance-sheet-driven business with meaningful exposure to interest rates, credit, and capital-markets volumes, while NDAQ earns a larger share of revenue from recurring subscriptions, data, and indexes. This contrast shapes both risk and valuation: Morgan Stanley offers a higher dividend yield and a lower earnings multiple, whereas Nasdaq commands a premium multiple in exchange for more predictable, software-like growth.
On growth drivers, Morgan Stanley is levered to wealth-management flows, IPO-related client activity, and trading volumes, while Nasdaq is levered to financial-technology adoption, anti-financial-crime solutions, and index-product innovation. Recent momentum also diverges: Nasdaq has trended above key moving averages, while Morgan Stanley has consolidated after strong earnings. Sector exposure differs as well, with MS tied to banking and credit conditions and NDAQ tied to market structure, listings, and technology spending. Each carries distinct risk factors, from credit and regulatory pressure for the bank to valuation sensitivity and transaction-volume dependence for the exchange.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, momentum, and recurring-revenue stability, Tickeron's AI would likely express a modest preference for NDAQ in the current environment. Nasdaq's price action above key moving averages, its double-digit growth across all divisions, and its shift toward recurring, software-like revenue suggest a more consistent trend profile. In contrast, MS offers deeper value and stronger capital returns, but its recent pullback and sensitivity to the capital-markets cycle introduce greater near-term variability. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting relative positioning rather than a recommendation for any specific investor.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is MS is a Buy and NDAQ is a Buy.
Momentum Indicator for MS turns positive, indicating new upward trend
MS saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 73 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 54 of the 73 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 74%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where MS's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 15 of 21 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MS just turned positive on October 21, 2026. Looking at past instances where MS's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Following a +3.62% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MS advanced for three days, in 230 of 353 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
MS may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MS declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
The Aroon Indicator for MS entered a downward trend on October 23, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 5 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 87, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. MS’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 92 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.800) is normal, around the industry mean (3.456). P/E Ratio (15.200) is within average values for comparable stocks, (8.942). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.702) is also within normal values, averaging (0.809). Dividend Yield (0.024) settles around the average of (7.442) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.380) is also within normal values, averaging (16.763).
NDAQ in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026
NDAQ moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 23 of 32 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on NDAQ as a result. In 46 of 80 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for NDAQ just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where NDAQ's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The 10-day moving average for NDAQ crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Following a +1.19% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NDAQ advanced for three days, in 224 of 353 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 5 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 8 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NDAQ declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 51%.
NDAQ broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 21, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for NDAQ entered a downward trend on September 25, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. NDAQ’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 74, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 89 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.924) is normal, around the industry mean (3.955). P/E Ratio (30.520) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.893). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.712) is also within normal values, averaging (1.780). Dividend Yield (0.012) settles around the average of (0.018) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.831) is also within normal values, averaging (7.166).
MS | NDAQ | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 12 | 37 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 92 Overvalued | 89 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 21 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 5 | 52 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 55 | 15 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | 43 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 75 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
NDAQ's Valuation (89) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as MS (92). This means that NDAQ’s stock grew similarly to MS’s over the last 12 months.
MS's Profit vs Risk Rating (17) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as NDAQ (21). This means that MS’s stock grew similarly to NDAQ’s over the last 12 months.
MS's SMR Rating (5) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is somewhat better than the same rating for NDAQ (52). This means that MS’s stock grew somewhat faster than NDAQ’s over the last 12 months.
NDAQ's Price Growth Rating (15) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MS (55). This means that NDAQ’s stock grew somewhat faster than MS’s over the last 12 months.
NDAQ's P/E Growth Rating (43) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as MS (56). This means that NDAQ’s stock grew similarly to MS’s over the last 12 months.
| MS | NDAQ | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 47% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 53% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 57% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 66% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 65% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 60% | 17 days ago 51% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 39% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 4 days ago 46% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
MS’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while NDAQ’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- MS’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- NDAQ’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
MS’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NDAQ’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- MS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
- NDAQ’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
MS (@Investment Banks/Brokers) experienced а +3.28% price change this week, while NDAQ (@Financial Publishing/Services) price change was +2.23% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Banks/Brokers industry was +39.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.76%, and the average quarterly price growth was -17.56%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Financial Publishing/Services industry was -0.96%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +8.62%, and the average quarterly price growth was +8.86%.
Reported Earning Dates
MS is expected to report earnings on Jan 14, 2027.
NDAQ is expected to report earnings on Feb 03, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Banks/Brokers (+39.29% weekly)These banks specialize in underwriting (helping companies with debt financing or equity issuances), IPOs, facilitating mergers and other corporate reorganizations and acting as a broker or financial advisor for institutions. They might also trade securities on their own accounts. Investment banks potentially thrive on expanding its network of clients, since that could help them increase profits. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and CME Group Inc are some of the largest investment banking companies.
@Financial Publishing/Services (-0.96% weekly)The financial publishing /services sector includes companies that provide informational products and services that are of value to investors, financial/analytics professionals and other interested readers. The products include real-time stock quotes, financial news and analyses. Think S&P Global, Inc., Moody`s Corporation, Thomson-Reuters Corp and IHS Markit Ltd. Information is critical in making financial or investment decisions, and what makes this industry’s output relevant at all times, across various economic conditions.
Advertisement
MS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MS has been closely correlated with GS. These tickers have moved in lockstep 86% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if MS jumps, then GS could also see price increases.
NDAQ and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NDAQ has been closely correlated with JEF. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if NDAQ jumps, then JEF could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NDAQ | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDAQ | 100% | +0.05% | ||
| JEF - NDAQ | 71% Closely correlated | +3.45% | ||
| MS - NDAQ | 71% Closely correlated | -0.07% | ||
| GS - NDAQ | 70% Closely correlated | +0.28% | ||
| RJF - NDAQ | 69% Closely correlated | +2.46% | ||
| SF - NDAQ | 66% Closely correlated | +2.21% | ||
More | ||||