The Top 5 Largest Stock Exchanges In the World

The stock exchange has been around for centuries. The very first one was created for trading in the 17th century. 

The East India Trading company was a financial and political powerhouse throughout Europe and the colonies each country was settling around the world.

Much like in 1642, the modern stock exchange has become a major determining factor for Western powers. We’ve all grown used to hearing about the New York Stock Exchange.

But what are some of the largest stock exchanges around the world we may not be used to hearing about? And how do we find out how to trade on these floors?

1. Tokyo Stock Exchange 

Founded in 1878, the Tokyo Stock Exchange has over 2,300 listed companies that trade daily. It is considered one of the top ten stock exchanges worldwide. 

Combined, it has a total of $5.67 trillion to trade with every day. After WWII, this exchange was suspended for several years. Trade once more picked up in 1949 though and Japan became a financial giant. 

Now some of its biggest traders are Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, and Sony. 

2. London Stock Exchange 

This financial giant is one of the oldest, still trading stock exchanges in the world. Founded in 1698, the London Stock Exchange has influenced trade and politics around the world for centuries. 

Now it is owned and operated by the London Stock Exchange Group and its value is totaled around $3.76 trillion. In 2007 it merged with the Borsa Italia. 

This stock exchange’s rich history makes it a fearsome trader. It is a major banking industry around the world. It was once considered the largest but lost that title to the New York Stock Exchange after WWI.

Its biggest traders are British Petroleum, GlaxoSmithKline, and Barclays.

3. Hong Kong Stock Exchange

The Hong Kong Stock Exchange was founded in 1891. With over 2,000 listed companies its combined total rings in around $182 billion. This exchange is unique since it does not have a trading floor. 

All trading done at this exchange is done electronically. The largest trading entities listed here are AIA, Tencent Holdings, PetroChina, China Mobile, and HSBC Holdings.

4. Euronext 

When the European Union was founded, a trade group was also created. Euronext is located in the Netherlands and it has a trading presence in France, Belgium, Portugal, and Ireland.

All trade is done in euros at this exchange. There are around 1,300 companies listed in this exchange. Its total trading value rings in around $3.92 trillion.

5. Toronto Stock Exchange 

This stock exchange boasts of over 2,000 companies. Their total value rings in at over $1 trillion. 

The Toronto Stock Exchange was founded in 1852 and all of Canada’s biggest banks are based here. It is owned by the TMX group. In 2011 an attempt was made to merge with the London Stock exchange but those plans fell through. 

This stock exchange is ranked as one of the Top 10 Stock Exchanges in the world. 

Some of the Largest Stock Exchanges

While trading on the New York Stock Exchange floor may seem exciting, there are several other trading exchanges you should consider. 

The largest stock exchanges around the world are true economic and political giants. 

If you’re not sure how stocks or trading works, give us a call today.