Largest Stock Exchanges

old Paris Bourse
Paris, France

Largest Stock Exchanges in the World

The largest stock exchanges in the world are ranked by their market capitalization, which is the total market value of the outstanding shares for all listed companies on the exchange. Stock exchanges are financial markets for trading equity securities, such as stocks and exchange-traded funds. These exchanges play a crucial role in liquidity and price discovery. Here are some of the largest stock exchanges in the world.

  • New York Stock Exchange (NYSE): Located in New York City, the NYSE is the largest stock exchange in the world. The NYSE was founded in 1792 and is home to some of the largest multinational corporations, including many blue-chip companies.
  • Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ): Located in New York City, NASDAQ is the second-largest stock exchange globally. Founded in 1971, NASDAQ is known for its electronic trading platform and its focus on technology, biotechnology and internet-related companies.
  • Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE): As the largest stock exchange in Asia, the Tokyo Stock Exchange is based in Japan. Established in 1878, the TSE lists some of the world's largest companies, such as Toyota and Sony.
  • Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE): The Shanghai Stock Exchange, founded in 1990, is one of the largest stock exchanges in the world and the largest in mainland China. The SSE lists many large Chinese companies, including state-owned enterprises and private companies.
  • Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX): HKEX operates the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Hong Kong Futures Exchange. Established in 1891, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is an important financial center in Asia. The HKEX hosts many large multinational corporations, including Chinese companies that choose to list in Hong Kong due to its more market-oriented regulations.
  • Euronext: Formed in 2000 through the merger between the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, Brussels Stock Exchange and the Paris Bourse, Euronext has since expanded to include the stock exchanges of Lisbon, Dublin and Oslo. Euronext is the largest stock exchange in Europe.
  • London Stock Exchange (LSE): Founded in 1801, the London Stock Exchange is one of the oldest and most prestigious stock exchanges in the world. The LSE is home to many multinational corporations and serves as a major financial center for European and international companies.
  • Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE): Established in 1990, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange is another major stock exchange in China. The SZSE is home to many innovative and technology-driven companies, including several that have moved from its smaller ChiNext board, which is similar to the NASDAQ.
  • Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX): The Toronto Stock Exchange, founded in 1852, is the largest stock exchange in Canada and in the top 10 globally. The TSX is known for its strong presence in natural resources, mining and energy sectors.
  • Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE): Established in 1875, the Bombay Stock Exchange is the oldest stock exchange in Asia and one of the largest in India. The BSE hosts thousands of companies, including many major Indian corporations.
  • National Stock Exchange of India (NSE): Founded in 1992, the National Stock Exchange of India is another leading stock exchange in India. The NSE introduced electronic trading in the country, and it is home to the widely followed Nifty 50 index.
  • Australian Securities Exchange (ASX): The Australian Securities Exchange, formed in 2006 through the merger between the Australian Stock Exchange and the Sydney Futures Exchange, is the largest stock exchange in Australia. The ASX features companies from various sectors, including financials, resources and healthcare.
  • SIX Swiss Exchange: The SIX Swiss Exchange, based in Zurich, is Switzerland's primary stock exchange. Established in 1850, it hosts many prominent Swiss companies and has a strong focus on financial, healthcare and industrial sectors.
  • Frankfurt Stock Exchange: The Frankfurt Stock Exchange, located in Frankfurt, Germany, is one of the largest stock exchanges in Europe. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange, owned by the Deutsche Börse, has a large number of major German and international corporations on the exchange and it is known for its electronic trading system, Xetra.
  • B3 (Brasil, Bolsa & Balcão): B3 is the main stock exchange in Brazil, formed in 2017 through the merger between BM&FBOVESPA and CETIP. B3 hosts numerous Brazilian and international companies and has a prominent presence in the financial, commodities and infrastructure sectors.

Each of these stock exchanges are important financial hubs in their respective regions and contribute significantly to the global economy by providing essential liquidity and contributing to price discovery. Keep in mind that market rankings and the prominence of these exchanges can change over time due to various factors, such as market conditions, regulatory changes, technological advancements and geopolitical events.

Harbor view in Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland