Today, many people were present at NASDAQ, waiting for First Trust [profile] to ring the opening bell. First Trust was invited to celebrate the launch of the First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDTV) and the First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (HDIV). They milled around, taking souvenir photos and sipping mystery beverages —coffee, orange juice, something pink— that were provided on a table in a corner.

Before the bell, MFWire had the opportunity to speak with Ryan Issakainen, senior vice president and ETF strategist at First Trust about the launch of these two funds. Issakainen told MFWire that First Trust is "deliberate in the ETFs which are chosen to bring to the market."

Half an hour before the bell, the guests lined up to snap pictures at the podium, which were projected on the graphic displays facing Times Square. As it drew closer to the market opening, they dispersed into the areas behind the camera to watch the NASDAQ video presentation and speeches.

After the speech, the guests swarmed around the podium once more. As it turns out, as they all gathered around the podium, there were so many people invited that many could not fit into the screen.

The bell was rung in the midst of deafening music from the sound systems, probably utilized for dramatic effect. The staff at NASDAQ then ushered those in attendance out into Times Square, where more pictures would be taken.  

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