The NASDAQ Alternative is a term used to refer to three major stock exchanges in the United States: the American Stock Exchange (AMEX), the American Stock Exchange (ASE), and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). AMEX is the third-largest stock exchange in the U.S., with over 2, 300 companies listed on it. ASE is the second-largest stock exchange in the U.S., with over 1, 800 companies listed on it. NYSE is the largest stock exchange in the U.S., with over 2, 400 companies listed on it. All three of these exchanges are considered alternatives to the NASDAQ, as they offer different types of securities and trading opportunities.