Learning more about the 20 largest stock exchanges in the world can be quite revealing regarding global economic power and wealth distribution. While some stock exchanges have been traditionally strong, the dynamic nature of the industry has allowed others to grow rapidly. Emerging market economies have contributed a great deal to the surge of such stock exchanges, a trend that is to persist over the next decade.
Globalization has had its effect on our list of the largest stock exchanges in the world, which includes markets spread across all continents. Naturally, countries with powerful economies and a highly developed private sector are bound to have a bigger financial market, thus making it possible to guess the top ranking institutions. If you have read one of our previous posts on the 20 biggest IPOs in US history, then you will certainly be aware that this nation most likely houses the candidate for the top spot. Nevertheless, some of the largest stock exchanges in the world are booming markets, offering huge financial opportunities, while still plagued by widespread poverty.
In order to rank the global financial markets, we have taken the market capitalization values from the monthly reports of the World Federation of Exchanges as the main indicator for size. Thus, the title will belong to the market with the highest value of shares outstanding. Without going into further detail, here is our list of the 20 largest stock exchanges in the world.
20. Taiwan Stock Exchange – $848 billion
Located in the city of Taipei, the Taiwan Stock Exchange is the first market on our list, after growing at a steady pace over the years.
19. JSE Limited – $951 billion
The only African stock exchange to make it into the top 20 is JSE Limited, which has its headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.
18. BM&FBovespa – $992 billion
Representing South America is BM&FBovespa, the Brazilian stock exchange located in São Paulo.
17. BME Spanish Exchanges – $1.14 trillion
The Madrid-based BME has a market capitalization exceeding the $1 trillion mark, and is the first European exchange to enter the list.
16. NASDAQ OMX Nordic Exchange – $ 1.24 trillion
This multinational American firm operates several stock exchanges in the Baltic and Nordic regions of Europe.
Our list of the largest stock exchanges in the world continues to jump all over the globe, on the next page. Where will it stop?
15. Korea Exchange – $1.27 trillion
The financial market is booming in South Korea, thanks to the nation’s vibrant and advanced economy.
14. Australian Securities Exchange – $1.34 trillion
At its headquarters in Sydney, stocks of major Australian companies are traded.
13. National Stock Exchange of India – $1.48 trillion
As one of the largest countries and economies in the world, the stock exchange located in Mumbai serves as an important marketplace.
12. Bombay Stock Exchange – $1.51 trillion
The second India-based stock exchange on our list is also located in the city of Mumbai, and is the oldest market in Asia.
11. SIX Swiss Exchange – $1.52 trillion
Naturally, the Swiss couldn’t be missing from this list; after all, banking is their specialty.
10. Deutsche Börse – $1.71 trillion
The powerful German economy and its firms are largely influenced by what goes on at the Frankfurt stock exchange.
9. Shenzhen Stock Exchange – $1.91 trillion
The rise of the Chinese economy has allowed the Shanghai-based exchange to penetrate the top ten.
8. TMX Group – $2.20 trillion
Trading the best Canada has to offer, the Toronto-based TMX Group operates the country’s most important stock exchanges.
7. Shanghai Stock Exchange – $2.86 trillion
The second Chinese stock market is also located in Shanghai, but is far larger than its counterpart.
6. Hong Kong Stock Exchange – $3.14 trillion
As one of the largest global trade centers, Hong Kong’s financial growth has been absolutely stunning and continues on the same trajectory.
5. London Stock Exchange Group – $3.39 trillion
Despite being one of the most important financial centers throughout history, the city is no longer as powerful as it once was.
4. Euronext – $3.50 trillion
Commanding the economies of the Netherlands, France, Belgium, and Portugal, this exchange not only has several members, but also several headquarters, spread throughout these four member nations.
3. Japan Exchange Group – $4.48 trillion
Trading shares of some of the most advanced corporations in the world, the Tokyo-based stock exchange has grown to become one of the world’s biggest.
2. NASDAQ – $6.68 trillion
The second largest stock exchange in the world is the NASDAQ, located in New York and trading, among others, very lucrative technology stocks.
1. New York Stock Exchange – $18.77 trillion
By far the most important financial trading grounds in the world today, the New York Stock Exchange is home to some the biggest and most powerful corporations from the United States.
