FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2001-79 SEC EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD ON THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET INC.'S APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AS A NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE UNDER SECTION 6 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 TO AUGUST 29, 2001 Washington, DC, July 31, 2001 - On July 30, the Securities and Exchange Commission extended the comment period for The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.'s application for registration as a national securities exchange to August 29, 2001. A complete copy of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.'s exchange application is available in the Commission's Public Reference Room. Significant portions of the application are also available on the Commission's website at http:/www/sec/gov. The text of the release extending the comment period also will be available on the Commission's website. # # #