New Fast Tracks Account for Older Company IPOs

Index providers in 2026 are adopting “fast-track” rules to add very large IPOs to major U.S. indexes faster, improving how broad-market indexes represent today’s late-stage, large public listings. Nasdaq and FTSE Russell have approved fast-track additions, while S&P’s proposal (cutting seasoning to at least six months) is pending. Under the new processes, eligible large IPOs can be added within roughly five to 15 trading days, which accelerates index-driven demand and brings earlier passive flows. Nasdaq analysis of 64 Russell-to-S&P waiters shows an average outperformance of 176% while awaiting S&P inclusion, with 70% outperforming the S&P 1500 — evidence that faster inclusion can materially affect investor returns and index composition. Overall, the changes are presented as positive for index accuracy and long-term investors.