Outside the NYSE: The 5 Biggest Stock Exchanges in the World
It’s easy to get fixated on the world’s biggest stock exchange, the NYSE. It’s the dad, it’s been running since 1792, and it’s in our backyard.
But there are actually many other stock exchanges out there, and the next few down the list are well worth a second look.
Let’s explore together the top 5 biggest stock exchanges after the NYSE and see whether they’re worthy of investing some of your hard earned dollars.
1. NASDAQ
A few miles down the road from Wall Street sits the NASDAQ in Times Square.
It’s always been a forward-thinking stock exchange, with telephone and computer trading being the norm from day one. No surprise then that it’s home to some of the world’s hottest tech stocks, including Apple and Facebook.
2. Tokyo Stock Exchange
Trading since 1878, this Asian giant is the biggest stock exchange in Asia. That makes it the biggest stock exchange outside of North America.
It currently lists around 3,500 companies. Its market capitalization currently stands at over $4 trillion, putting it firmly in third place on the world scene.
As you would expect, it’s home to Japan’s powerhouse publicly listed companies, including Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Honda.
3. Shanghai Stock Exchange
Following the opening up of China to trade with the wider world in the late 1970s, the Shanghai Stock Exchange began to emerge and grow in market value.
Following slumps in the 2001-2005 period and again in 2008, it has largely stabilized. It is home to many former state-owned enterprises that are now the cornerstones of the Chinese economy.
Big players in the top ten include PetroChina, Bank of China and China Life. However, with just over a thousand companies listed, by listings it’s by far the smallest among the big players.
4. London Stock Exchange
Dating in one form or another back to 1571, the London Stock Exchange may have slid down the rankings in terms of market capitalization somewhat, but still takes its place in the world’s top 5 with a respectable $4.59 trillion.
Top stocks on the London Stock Exchange include British banking giants Barclays and Lloyds, through to retail companies like Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury.
5. Hong Kong Stock Exchange
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange dates back to British times, being established in 1866.
It has almost 2000 listed companies and trades both stocks from mainland China, and from Hong Kong itself. Its market capitalization stands at roughly $3.9 trillion.
Big players listed in Hong Kong include HSBC and a range of Chinese banks.
In Summary – The World’s Biggest Stock Exchanges
It’s hardly surprising that the world’s biggest stock exchanges are found in the foremost economies – and trading partners – of the US.
Whether you choose to invest in the NASDAQ, Tokyo, Shanghai, London, Hong Kong or stick with the good old NYSE, we have advice and products to help you along the way.
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