Shopify (SHOP) shares surged 5.21% in pre-market trading on Monday, as investors reacted enthusiastically to the news of the e-commerce giant's forthcoming inclusion in the prestigious Nasdaq 100 index. This significant development comes on the heels of Shopify's strong first-quarter earnings report, further boosting investor confidence in the company's growth prospects.

The inclusion in the Nasdaq 100 and the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted Index, set to take effect later this month, marks a major milestone for Shopify. This move places the company among the largest non-financial firms listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, potentially increasing its visibility to institutional investors and index-tracking funds. As a result, Shopify's stock may experience increased trading volume and liquidity in the coming weeks.

Market analysts view this index inclusion as a validation of Shopify's business model and its growing importance in the tech sector. The positive sentiment is further amplified by the company's recent strong financial performance. As index funds and ETFs tracking the Nasdaq 100 prepare to add Shopify to their portfolios, the stock could see continued upward pressure, with investors closely monitoring its performance in anticipation of the official index inclusion.