In 2024, stock markets in the United States accounted for roughly 60 percent of world stocks. The next largest country by stock market share was Japan, followed by the United Kingdom. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ are the largest stock exchange operators worldwide. What is a stock exchange? The first modern publicly traded company was the Dutch East Industry Company, which sold shares to the general public to fund expeditions to Asia. Since then, groups of companies have formed exchanges in which brokers and dealers can come together and make transactions in one space. Stock market indices group companies trading on a given exchange, giving an idea of how they evolve in real time. Appeal of stock ownership Over half of adults in the United States are investing money in the stock market. Stocks are an attractive investment because the possible return is higher than offered by other financial instruments.

The 200-day pound to yen SMA continued to increase up to May 2025, indicating strengthening British pounds against Japanese yen. As of May 14, the pair is trading above the 200-day SMA level, signaling a bullish momentum. The Simple Moving Average or SMA is a common metric used within stock and FX market analysis, and especially focuses on long-term trends. The 200-day SMA, especially, is considered very important, as it displays the average price of a stock or currency over the past 200 days (or 40 weeks of trading). If the price of the asset remains above this average, it is generally considered to be in an upwards trend.

United Kingdom's main stock market index, the GB100, fell to 9133 points on July 31, 2025, losing 0.05% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 3.96% and is up 10.25% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from United Kingdom. United Kingdom Stock Market Index (GB100) - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Financial Market: Share Prices for United Kingdom (SPASTT01GBM661N) from Dec 1957 to Jun 2025 about stock market and United Kingdom.

The value of foreign direct investment into the United Kingdom in 2023 was approximately 1.35 billion British pounds, while outward investment from the UK stood at 35.5 billion pounds in the same year.

United Kingdom UK: Market Capitalization: Listed Domestic Companies data was reported at 1,868.153 USD bn in 2008. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,846.462 USD bn for 2007. United Kingdom UK: Market Capitalization: Listed Domestic Companies data is updated yearly, averaging 972.400 USD bn from Dec 1975 (Median) to 2008, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,846.462 USD bn in 2007 and a record low of 30.096 USD bn in 1979. United Kingdom UK: Market Capitalization: Listed Domestic Companies data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Financial Sector. Market capitalization (also known as market value) is the share price times the number of shares outstanding (including their several classes) for listed domestic companies. Investment funds, unit trusts, and companies whose only business goal is to hold shares of other listed companies are excluded. Data are end of year values converted to U.S. dollars using corresponding year-end foreign exchange rates.; ; World Federation of Exchanges database.; Sum; Stock market data were previously sourced from Standard & Poor's until they discontinued their 'Global Stock Markets Factbook' and database in April 2013. Time series have been replaced in December 2015 with data from the World Federation of Exchanges and may differ from the previous S&P definitions and methodology.

The GBP/CHF rate approached near 61.8 percent resistance level of 50-day Fibonacci on May 13, 2025. Fibonacci — based off the famous infinite math sequence from 13-century Italy — is a metric often used in FX trading to find key levels of support and resistance. Essentially, the sequence potentially reveals thresholds on which traders can buy or sell assets and are typically set as profit targets. When these retracements are met, traders will act.

The United Kingdom: Financial markets development: The latest value from 2021 is 0.854 index points, unchanged from 0.854 index points in 2020. In comparison, the world average is 0.239 index points, based on data from 158 countries. Historically, the average for the United Kingdom from 1980 to 2021 is 0.627 index points. The minimum value, 0.135 index points, was reached in 1981 while the maximum of 0.931 index points was recorded in 2007.

Graph and download economic data for Financial Market: Share Prices for United Kingdom (SPASTT01GBQ661N) from Q1 1958 to Q2 2025 about stock market and United Kingdom.

United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Total Value data was reported at 2,357.017 USD bn in 2014. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,675.053 USD bn for 2013. United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Total Value data is updated yearly, averaging 487.920 USD bn from Dec 1975 (Median) to 2014, with 40 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,947.700 USD bn in 2007 and a record low of 19.361 USD bn in 1977. United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Total Value data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Financial Sector. The value of shares traded is the total number of shares traded, both domestic and foreign, multiplied by their respective matching prices. Figures are single counted (only one side of the transaction is considered). Companies admitted to listing and admitted to trading are included in the data. Data are end of year values converted to U.S. dollars using corresponding year-end foreign exchange rates.; ; World Federation of Exchanges database.; Sum; Stock market data were previously sourced from Standard & Poor's until they discontinued their 'Global Stock Markets Factbook' and database in April 2013. Time series have been replaced in December 2015 with data from the World Federation of Exchanges and may differ from the previous S&P definitions and methodology.

The UK Capital Market Exchange Ecosystem is Segmented by Type of Market (primary Market and Secondary Market), Financial Instruments (debt and Equity), and Investors (retail Investors and Institutional Investors). The Report Offers Market Size and Forecasts for the UK Capital Market Exchange Ecosystem in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

Stock market return (%, year-on-year) in United Kingdom was reported at 14.38 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United Kingdom - Stock market return (%, year-on-year) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

As of May 13, 2025, the GBP/USD rate experienced a resistance around 1.33 level according to 50-day Fibonacci. Fibonacci — based off the famous infinite math sequence from 13-century Italy — is a metric often used in FX trading to find key levels of support and resistance. Essentially, the sequence potentially reveals thresholds on which traders can buy or sell assets and are frequently set as profit targets. When these retracements are met, traders will act.

United Kingdom UK: Market Capitalization: Listed Domestic Companies: % of GDP data was reported at 64.629 % in 2008. This records a decrease from the previous number of 125.114 % for 2007. United Kingdom UK: Market Capitalization: Listed Domestic Companies: % of GDP data is updated yearly, averaging 87.239 % from Dec 1975 (Median) to 2008, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 177.400 % in 1999 and a record low of 6.368 % in 1980. United Kingdom UK: Market Capitalization: Listed Domestic Companies: % of GDP data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Financial Sector. Market capitalization (also known as market value) is the share price times the number of shares outstanding (including their several classes) for listed domestic companies. Investment funds, unit trusts, and companies whose only business goal is to hold shares of other listed companies are excluded. Data are end of year values.; ; World Federation of Exchanges database.; Weighted average; Stock market data were previously sourced from Standard & Poor's until they discontinued their 'Global Stock Markets Factbook' and database in April 2013. Time series have been replaced in December 2015 with data from the World Federation of Exchanges and may differ from the previous S&P definitions and methodology.

The United Kingdom financial services market reached approximately USD 175.34 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.90% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 311.06 Billion by 2034.

As of May 13, 2025, the EUR/GBP rate experienced a resistance around 0.84 level according to 50-day Fibonacci. Fibonacci — based off the famous infinite math sequence from 13-century Italy — is a metric often used in FX trading to find key levels of support and resistance. Essentially, the sequence potentially reveals thresholds on which traders can buy or sell assets and are typically set as profit targets. When these retracements are met, traders will act.

The UK capital market exchange ecosystem, a significant component of the global financial landscape, is experiencing robust growth, driven by a confluence of factors. The market's expansion is fueled by increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) into the UK, particularly in technology and renewable energy sectors, leading to a heightened demand for capital. Furthermore, the UK's robust regulatory framework, a well-established legal infrastructure, and a deep pool of experienced financial professionals attract both domestic and international investors. The increasing adoption of fintech solutions is streamlining trading processes, enhancing efficiency, and attracting a younger generation of investors. While Brexit initially presented challenges, the UK's capital markets have shown resilience, adapting to the new regulatory environment and continuing to attract international capital. The segment breakdown reveals a healthy balance between debt and equity financing, catering to a diverse range of investor needs, from retail investors seeking diversification to institutional investors managing large portfolios. The presence of established exchanges like the London Stock Exchange underscores the market's maturity and global influence. Looking ahead, the UK capital market ecosystem is poised for continued growth, projected to maintain a CAGR above 5% over the forecast period (2025-2033). However, potential headwinds include geopolitical uncertainty, global economic fluctuations, and evolving regulatory landscapes. To mitigate these risks, continued investment in technological innovation, strengthening international partnerships, and fostering a supportive regulatory environment will be crucial for sustained growth. The ongoing evolution of sustainable finance initiatives and a focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing present significant opportunities for further expansion within the UK capital markets. This will attract a new generation of conscious investors and further solidify the UK’s position as a leading global financial center. Notable trends are: Increasing Funds Under Management By Investment In UK is Driving the Market.

Based on the most comprehensive grain prices available, we employ a storage model to estimate consistent interest rates and compare capital market development in Britain and China. Interest rates for Britain were lower than China’s on average by about three percentage points from 1770 to 1860. Regional capital market integration in the Yangzi Delta comes close to the British average at distances below 200 kilometers, but at larger distances interest rate correlations in Britain are twice those of the Delta, and three or more times as high as elsewhere in China. Overall, our results suggest capital market divergence at an early date.

United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Turnover Ratio of Domestic Shares data was reported at 146.431 % in 2008. This records an increase from the previous number of 102.632 % for 2007. United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Turnover Ratio of Domestic Shares data is updated yearly, averaging 40.860 % from Dec 1975 (Median) to 2008, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 146.431 % in 2008 and a record low of 15.170 % in 1978. United Kingdom UK: Stocks Traded: Turnover Ratio of Domestic Shares data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Financial Sector. Turnover ratio is the value of domestic shares traded divided by their market capitalization. The value is annualized by multiplying the monthly average by 12.; ; World Federation of Exchanges database.; Weighted average; Stock market data were previously sourced from Standard & Poor's until they discontinued their 'Global Stock Markets Factbook' and database in April 2013. Time series have been replaced in December 2015 with data from the World Federation of Exchanges and may differ from the previous S&P definitions and methodology.

📦 Global Financial and Macroeconomic Market Dataset

This dataset contains structured historical financial market data across various countries and time intervals. It is sourced from publicly available metastock-formatted and ASCII-formatted files used in economic and trading research.

📁 Directory Overview

financial_dataset/ ├── 5 min/ │ ├── hk/ # Hong Kong 5-min market data │ ├── hu/ # Hungary 5-min market data │ ├── pl/ # Poland 5-min market data │ ├── uk/ # United Kingdom 5-min market data │ ├── us/ # United States 5-min market data │ └── world/ # Global economic/market data (5-min) │ ├── daily/ │ ├── hk/ # Hong Kong daily data │ ├── hu/ # Hungary daily data │ └── jp/ # Japan daily market data

ℹ️ Note: Some hidden macOS metadata files (like ._filename) may appear; they can be safely ignored or removed before analysis.

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🌍 Country & Region Codes

Code Country/Region hk Hong Kong hu Hungary pl Poland uk United Kingdom us United States jp Japan world Global aggregation (macroeconomic indices)

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🕒 Timeframes

Folder Name Frequency Description daily/ Daily End-of-day market summaries (open, high, low, close, volume) 5 min/ 5-minute Intraday data for high-frequency market modeling or backtesting

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📊 File Format & Content • All files are in ASCII format. • Columns typically include: • date • open • high • low • close • volume • There may be slight variations based on country/source.

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📌 Source

Data retrieved from Sqoot/Metastock economic archives as of May 7, 2025.

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🔍 Use Cases • Backtesting trading algorithms on intraday data • Macroeconomic trend modeling • Comparative analysis between developed and emerging markets • Visualization of international market movement patterns