20 Biggest Stock Markets In The World

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A stock market, also referred to as an equity market or stock exchange, is a centralized platform where financial instruments such as shares of publicly-traded companies are bought, sold and issued. Stock markets provide investors & traders with an arena in which to trade stocks, bonds and other securities. Stock markets play a vital role in our economy by allocating capital efficiently while encouraging efficient pricing of securities while offering investors liquidity options.

The 20 biggest stock markets span across continents, shaping investment dynamics and contributing to global economic health. These top exchanges serve as vital hubs of trade and investment. From the tech-heavy Nasdaq to New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange – each serves an essential function in the global finance ecosystem. Let’s examine these iconic exchanges as we gain more insight into these major world stock markets and their significance within them.

1. Nasdaq

The Nasdaq Stock Market is an American exchange known for its electronic trading platform and the primary listing of technology and internet-related companies. Established in 1971, it ranks second largest by market capitalization.

2. New York Stock Exchange

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is Established in 1792. The NYSE is the world’s most valuable stock exchange by market capitalization and is found in New York City with companies representing many industries listed there.

3. London Stock Exchange

The London Stock Exchange was established in 1801. The LSE has long been one of the leading financial markets and serves as the primary stock exchange in Britain. It lists both domestic and international companies, it ranks third largest worldwide by market capitalization.

4. Shanghai Stock Exchange

Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) was established in 1990  in Shanghai, China and is one of the world’s premier stock exchanges. Offering both A-shares (available to domestic investors) and B-shares (foreign investors), this exchange operates under the supervision of the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

5. Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), established in 1891, is Hong Kong’s primary stock exchange and widely renowned for listing many large Chinese companies – it ranks among one of the largest exchanges globally by market capitalization. It is reported as the fastest growing stock exchange in Asia.

6. Toronto Stock Exchange

Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was established in 1852 and is the most prominent stock exchange in Canada and ninth worldwide by market capitalization. Listing various Canadian and international companies that specialize in mining, oil and gas sectors.

7. Bombay Stock Exchange

Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Established in 1875, is India’s oldest stock exchange by listed companies and known for its benchmark index Sensex.

8. Euronext

Euronext aka European New Exchange Technology is a pan-European stock exchange founded in 2000 with a presence across Europe including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Ireland. It is the largest stock exchange by market capitalization . It is location in the Euronext Amsterdam building, Beursplein 5, Amsterdam

9. Shenzhen Stock Exchange 

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) was established in 1990. It is is located in the Euronext Amsterdam building, Beursplein 5, Amsterdam. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange is one of China’s major stock exchanges, known for listing many technology and innovation-focused companies under its jurisdiction. It operates under the supervision of China Securities Regulatory Commission.

10. Taiwan Stock Exchange

Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE), established in 1961, serves as Taiwan’s primary stock exchange. Listing both domestic and international companies, it serves as an important financial market in Asia.

11. National Stock Exchange

The national stock exchange (NSE), located in Taipei 101, in Taipei, Taiwan, was established in 1992. India’s National Stock Exchange is known for its trading volume and market capitalization. Notably known is its electronic trading platform as well as its benchmark index – Nifty 50, launched in 1996 by NSE. It is the world’s largest derivatives exchange by number of contracts traded and the third largest in cash equities by number of trades  for the calendar year 2022

12. SIX Swiss Exchange

The SIX Swiss Exchange is based in Zurich, is Switzerland’s and is the main stock exchange and one of Europe’s most active stock markets. It was established in 1850 and owned by SIX Group. It provides listings for domestic and international companies operating across various industries including financial, pharmaceutical and luxury goods sectors.

13. Johannesburg Stock Exchange 

Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) was established in 1887, and it is currently Africa’s most valuable stock exchange by market capitalization and lists a diverse selection of companies from South Africa and other African nations. It is located in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.

14. Korea Exchange

The Korea exchange (KRX) was founded in 2005. KRX serves as South Korea’s primary stock exchange and major financial market in Asia. It lists both domestic and international companies focused on technology, automobile manufacturing, consumer electronics manufacturing and other related fields. It is headquartered in Busan, and has an office for cash markets and market oversight in Seoul.

15. Japan Exchange Group

The Japan Exchange group (JPX) was established by the merger between Tokyo Stock Exchange and Osaka Securities Exchange in 2013, JPX is Japan’s leading stock exchange and the third-largest globally by market capitalization. It lists both Japanese and global companies. Its head office at Tokyo Stock Exchange building.

16. Australian Securities Exchange 

Founded in 1987, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is Australia’s primary stock exchange and one of the largest in the Asia-Pacific region. It covers companies from multiple sectors – mining, financial services, and technology – among them.

17. Tehran Stock Exchange

Iran’s Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) is its primary stock market, listing companies from various domestic sectors that specialize in energy, petrochemical and financial products and services. It was established in 1967.

18. Deutsche Borse AG

Deutsche Borse AG was established in 1993 to operate Germany’s premier stock exchange, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. It lists over 21,000 companies from domestic and global sectors.

19. Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul)

Established in 2007, Tadawul is currently the most significant stock exchange in the Middle East and North Africa by market capitalization. Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tadawul primarily lists energy sector companies.

20. B3 Brasil Bolsa Balcao

B3 Brasil Bolsa Balcao was established by the merger between BM&FBOVESPA and CETIP in 2017. B3 serves as Brazil’s primary stock exchange and one of Latin America’s most influential financial markets, featuring companies from various sectors like finance, commodities, and consumer goods.

What are the Major Stock Markets in the World? – what to write here? It is already above

What is the Biggest Stock Market in the world by volume?

Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) is the world’s leading stock market by trading volume. SSE saw a total trading volume of 49.1 trillion yuan or approximately $7.3 trillion USD In 2022. This is more than double what New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) experienced as its second-largest market. The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), founded in 1990, has grown into one of Asia’s premier stock markets since that time, housing over 1,400 companies as an integral component of China’s economy. As the primary source for funding Chinese companies and economic activity.

What is the Largest Stock Market in the world by Market Cap?

The world’s most valuable stock exchange by market capitalization is the Nasdaq Stock Market with a market capitalization of $30.2 trillion USD – nearly double what was held by the second-place New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This data is as of March 8, 2023. The Nasdaq was established in 1971 in New York City. Home to over 3,800 companies and the largest stock exchange for technology firms, this global stock market plays an essential role in our economy.

What is the Oldest Stock Market in the World?

Amsterdam Stock Exchange, established by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) – one of the first multinational corporations – in 1602 is considered the oldest stock market worldwide. VOC needed an efficient way of raising capital to fund its global operations, and Amsterdam Stock Exchange provided it. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange temporarily closed during Napoleonic Wars but reopened again in 1813, growing and prospering throughout its subsequent 19th-century life and becoming one of the world’s leading stock markets by century’s end. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange became demutualized in 2000 and is now owned by Euronext, which operates pan-European stock exchange groups. Even today, however, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange remains one of the premier stock markets globally with an estimated market capitalization of EUR5.3 trillion.

What is a Stock Market?

A stock market is an open marketplace where buyers and sellers come together to trade shares of publicly held companies. A stock market is a platform where buyers and sellers come together to trade shares in publicly listed companies, facilitating the exchange of capital between investors and businesses. Stock markets date back to the 1600s. The first stock exchange opened its doors in Amsterdam in 1602, followed by ones in London and New York in later decades. These allowed companies to raise capital from investors to finance their operations. Stock markets play a vital role in providing businesses with access to capital from investors while giving investors easy access to buying and selling stocks, making investments simpler to enter or exit quickly and with greater returns due to the liquidity provided by stock markets.          

The primary function of stock markets is to help businesses raise capital by issuing shares of stock to investors. This provides funding for growth and expansion within their organization.

Economy-wide, stock markets provide a convenient place to allocate resources efficiently. Capital flow into businesses that are experiencing rapid expansion, further spurring economic development. Stock markets also provide shareholders with a way to invest in companies and become owners through ownership interests and share in their success, earning dividends and enjoying price appreciation of shares they own.

Who regulates the Stock Market?

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the main regulatory body for stock markets in the US. Sec was established by the Securities Act of 1934. its purpose is to safeguard investors while maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets. SEC also plays a key role in helping capital formation in an economy. 

SEC possesses powers including registering securities available for public sale, prohibiting fraud and manipulation in securities markets, and investigating and prosecuting violations of securities laws. Additionally, the SEC is responsible for setting operational rules for stock exchanges.

Different counties have different regulatory bodies taking care of their respective stock markets. 

SEBI (the Securities and Exchange Board of India) serves as India’s main regulator of its stock market. Established in 1992, its primary aim is to protect investors’ interests, foster the development of securities markets in India and guarantee fair and transparent conditions for investments. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) serves as the main regulatory body for its stock market in Britain. FCA is an independent organization, this body oversees financial firm conduct while upholding market integrity while safeguarding investors and consumers. China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) serves as the main body to oversee China’s stock market. They oversee and regulate securities and futures markets while encouraging capital market development while protecting investor rights and interests. The Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) works as the regulatory body for Japan’s stock market. They are charged with overseeing and assuring the stability of Japan’s financial system, protecting investors, and increasing transparency within the securities market.

Is it easy to invest in the Stock Market?

Yes, investing is easy if you follow the right methods and take a disciplined approach. Thanks to advances in technology and greater access to financial information, investing has become more user-friendly for individual investors.

Can anyone invest in Stock Market?

No, as there is an age restriction attached. No one can legally invest in the stock market without meeting an age requirement in most countries, generally 18 or their local equivalent of it to open a brokerage account and legally invest. This restriction ensures that investors possess sufficient legal capacity and make informed decisions when managing their investments. Individuals under the required age still gain an introduction to investing through custodial accounts. A custodial account is set up and managed on behalf of minors by parents or guardians until they reach the age of majority, at which point full control over the account and its assets pass back over to them.

What is the difference between Stock Market and Stock Exchange?

A stock market and stock exchange are similar terms that are often used interchangeably. But differ too. The below table is a comprehensive comparison.