In the world of finance, stock exchanges play a vital role in the trading of stocks, bonds, and other securities. There are hundreds of stock exchanges around the world, but in this article, we’ll be focusing on the top 21 stock exchanges in terms of market capitalization.

What is Market Capitalization?

Before we dive into the top 21 stock exchanges, it’s important to understand what market capitalization is. Market capitalization, or “market cap,” is the total value of a company’s outstanding shares of stock. It is calculated by multiplying the total number of shares outstanding by the current market price of one share.

The Top 21 Stock Exchanges

1. New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
2. NASDAQ
3. Tokyo Stock Exchange
4. Shanghai Stock Exchange
5. Hong Kong Stock Exchange
6. Euronext
7. Shenzhen Stock Exchange
8. London Stock Exchange (LSE)
9. Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)
10. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
11. National Stock Exchange of India (NSE)
12. Deutsche Börse
13. Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
14. SIX Swiss Exchange
15. Korea Exchange (KRX)
16. Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE)
17. Madrid Stock Exchange
18. Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
19. B3 (formerly BM&FBOVESPA)
20. Moscow Exchange (MOEX)
21. Mexican Stock Exchange (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores)

Key Takeaways

• The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the largest stock exchange in the world in terms of market capitalization.
• NASDAQ is the second-largest stock exchange, and it is known for its focus on technology companies.
• The Tokyo Stock Exchange is the largest stock exchange in Asia.
• China has two stock exchanges in the top five: the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
• The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is the largest stock exchange in Europe.
• The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) is the largest stock exchange in Canada.
• India has two stock exchanges in the top 11: the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).
• The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is the largest stock exchange in Australia.
• The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is the largest stock exchange in Africa.

Conclusion

There you have it, the top 21 stock exchanges in the world by market capitalization. These stock exchanges are the engines of the global economy, providing investors with opportunities to buy and sell shares in companies around the world. Whether you’re an individual investor or a large institutional investor, understanding the top stock exchanges is essential for making informed investment decisions.