In 2025, stock markets in the United States accounted for roughly ** percent of world stocks. The next largest country by stock market share was China, followed by the European Union as a whole. 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.

As of Janaury 2025, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq - the two largest stock exchange operators in the United States - held a combined market capitalization for domestic listed companies of over ** trillion U.S. dollars. Both markets were almost evenly sized at this point in time - at approximately ** and ** trillion U.S. dollars, respectively. However, the Nasdaq has grown much quicker than the NYSE since January 2018, when their respective domestic market caps were ** and ** trillion U.S. dollars. Much of this can be attributed to the success of information technology stocks during the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as the Nasdaq is the traditional venue for companies operating in the tech sector.

Chinese

Nasdaq, Inc. operates as a technology company that serves capital markets and other industries worldwide. The Market Technology segment includes anti financial crime technology business, which offers Nasdaq Trade Surveillance, a SaaS solution for brokers and other market participants to assist them in complying with market rules, regulations, and internal market surveillance policies; Nasdaq Automated Investigator, a cloud-deployed anti-money laundering tool; and Verafin, a SaaS technology provider of anti-financial crime management solutions. This segment also handles assets, such as cash equities, equity derivatives, currencies, interest-bearing securities, commodities, energy products, and digital currencies. The Investment Intelligence segment sells and distributes historical and real-time market data; develops and licenses Nasdaq-branded indexes and financial products; and provides investment insights and workflow solutions. The Corporate Platforms segment operates listing platforms; and offers investor relations intelligence and governance solutions. As of December 31, 2021, it had 4,178 companies listed securities on The Nasdaq Stock Market, including 1,632 listings on The Nasdaq Global Select Market; 1,169 on The Nasdaq Global Market; and 1,377 on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The Market Services segment includes equity derivative trading and clearing, cash equity trading, fixed income and commodities trading and clearing, and trade management service businesses. This segment operates various exchanges and other marketplace facilities across various asset classes, which include derivatives, commodities, cash equity, debt, structured products, and exchange traded products; and provides broker, clearing, settlement, and central depository services. The company was formerly known as The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. and changed its name to Nasdaq, Inc. in September 2015. Nasdaq, Inc. was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

The value of global domestic equity market increased from 65.04 trillion U.S. dollars in 2013 to 124.63 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. The United States was by far the leading country with the largest share of total world stocks as of 2024. Global market capitalization in different regions The market capitalization of domestic companies listed varied across different regions of the world. As of Decmber 2024, the Americas region had the largest domestic equity market, totaling 62 trillion U.S. dollars. This region is home to the NYSE and Nasdaq, which are the two largest stock exchange operators in the world. The market capitalization of these two exchanges alone exceeded 60 billion U.S. dollars as of January 2025, larger than the total market capitalization in the Asia-Pacific, and in the EMEA regions in the same period. Largest Stock Exchanges in Latin America As of December 2024, the B3 (Brasil Bolsa Balcao) was the biggest stock exchange in Latin America in terms of market capitalization and the second-largest in terms of number of listed companies. Following the B3 were the Mexican Stock Exchange and the Santiago Stock Exchange in Chile. The most valuable company in Latin America is listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange: Fomento Económico Mexicano, a multinational beverage and retail company headquartered in Monterrey, had market cap of 177 billion U.S. dollars as of March 2025.

Market Capitalization: Nasdaq data was reported at 31,537.890 USD bn in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 31,292.081 USD bn for Mar 2025. Market Capitalization: Nasdaq data is updated monthly, averaging 4,495.837 USD bn from Jan 1995 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 360 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 73,626.411 USD bn in Oct 2017 and a record low of 792.432 USD bn in Jan 1995. Market Capitalization: Nasdaq data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by NASDAQ. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.Z: NASDAQ: Market Capitalization. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Nasdaq, Inc. operates as a technology company that serves capital markets and other industries worldwide. The Market Technology segment includes anti financial crime technology business, which offers Nasdaq Trade Surveillance, a SaaS solution for brokers and other market participants to assist them in complying with market rules, regulations, and internal market surveillance policies; Nasdaq Automated Investigator, a cloud-deployed anti-money laundering tool; and Verafin, a SaaS technology provider of anti-financial crime management solutions. This segment also handles assets, such as cash equities, equity derivatives, currencies, interest-bearing securities, commodities, energy products, and digital currencies. The Investment Intelligence segment sells and distributes historical and real-time market data; develops and licenses Nasdaq-branded indexes and financial products; and provides investment insights and workflow solutions. The Corporate Platforms segment operates listing platforms; and offers investor relations intelligence and governance solutions. As of December 31, 2021, it had 4,178 companies listed securities on The Nasdaq Stock Market, including 1,632 listings on The Nasdaq Global Select Market; 1,169 on The Nasdaq Global Market; and 1,377 on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The Market Services segment includes equity derivative trading and clearing, cash equity trading, fixed income and commodities trading and clearing, and trade management service businesses. This segment operates various exchanges and other marketplace facilities across various asset classes, which include derivatives, commodities, cash equity, debt, structured products, and exchange traded products; and provides broker, clearing, settlement, and central depository services. The company was formerly known as The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. and changed its name to Nasdaq, Inc. in September 2015. Nasdaq, Inc. was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

The average for 2022 based on 74 countries was 1244.55 billion U.S. dollars. The highest value was in the USA: 40297.98 billion U.S. dollars and the lowest value was in Bermuda: 0.21 billion U.S. dollars. The indicator is available from 1975 to 2022. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The US capital market exchange ecosystem is experiencing a significant growth trajectory, with a market size of XX million and a CAGR of 8.00%. Key drivers include increasing investor participation, the rise of digital investment platforms, and growing demand for alternative investment options. Trends such as the shift towards sustainable investing and the implementation of new technologies are shaping the ecosystem. Despite these drivers, restraints such as regulatory uncertainties and cybersecurity risks continue to challenge the market's growth. The ecosystem comprises various segments, including primary and secondary markets, debt and equity instruments, and retail and institutional investors. The New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, and Cboe Options Exchange are prominent companies operating within this ecosystem, facilitating trading and providing liquidity for investors. The market is segmented geographically, with North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific being key regions. The United States, United Kingdom, and China are leading markets within these regions, contributing significantly to the overall ecosystem's growth. The US capital market exchange ecosystem is a complex and interconnected network of exchanges, broker-dealers, clearinghouses, and other financial institutions that facilitate the buying and selling of securities. The ecosystem is highly concentrated, with a small number of large exchanges accounting for the majority of trading volume. The largest exchange in the US is the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), followed by the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq) and the Cboe Global Markets (Cboe). These three exchanges account for over 80% of trading volume in the US equity markets. The US capital market exchange ecosystem is characterized by a high level of innovation. Exchanges are constantly developing new products and services to meet the needs of investors. For example, the NYSE recently launched a new electronic trading platform called NYSE Arca that is designed to provide faster and more efficient trading execution. The Nasdaq has also launched a new platform called Nasdaq Private Market that allows companies to raise capital from private investors. The US capital market exchange ecosystem is also highly regulated. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the primary regulator of the securities markets in the US. The SEC regulates the exchanges, broker-dealers, and clearinghouses that operate in the US. The SEC's regulations are designed to protect investors and ensure the fair and orderly operation of the securities markets. The US capital market exchange ecosystem is facing a number of challenges and restraints. One challenge is the increasing competition from foreign exchanges. For example, the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange have both become major players in the global equity markets. Another challenge is the rise of alternative trading systems (ATSs). ATSs are electronic trading platforms that are not regulated by the SEC. ATSs have become increasingly popular with investors because they offer lower trading costs and faster execution times than traditional exchanges. Despite these challenges, the US capital market exchange ecosystem is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The US economy is expected to continue to grow, which will lead to increased demand for investment products. In addition, the US capital market exchange ecosystem is well-positioned to benefit from the growth of the global economy. Notable trends are: Increasing Capitalization in Equity Market Driving the Capital Market.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global stock market size will be USD 3645.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1458.1 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1093.6 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 838.4 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 182.3 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 72.9 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The broker end users held the highest stock market revenue share in 2024.

Market Dynamics of Stock Market

Key Drivers for the Stock Market

Rising Demand for Real-Time Data and Analytics to be an Emerging Market Trend

The increasing need for real-time data and advanced analytics is a significant driver in the stock trading and investing market growth. Investors and traders require up-to-the-minute information on stock prices, market trends, and financial news to make informed decisions quickly. As financial markets become more dynamic and competitive, the ability to access and analyze real-time data becomes crucial for success. Trading applications that offer real-time updates, advanced charting tools, and detailed analytics provide users with a competitive edge by enabling them to react swiftly to market movements. This heightened demand for real-time insights fuels the development and adoption of sophisticated trading platforms that cater to both professional traders and retail investors seeking to maximize their investment opportunities.

Increasing Adoption of Mobile Trading Platforms to Boost Market Growth

The rapid adoption of mobile trading platforms is another key driver for the stock market expansion. With the proliferation of smartphones and mobile internet access, investors are increasingly favoring mobile platforms for their trading activities due to their convenience and accessibility. Mobile trading apps offer users the ability to trade, monitor portfolios, and access financial information on the go, which appeals to both active traders and casual investors. This shift towards mobile platforms is supported by innovations in-app functionality, user experience, and security features. As more investors seek flexibility and real-time engagement with their investments, the demand for sophisticated and user-friendly mobile trading applications continues to rise, propelling market growth.

Restraint Factor for the Stock Market

Stringent Rules and Regulations to Impede the Adoption of Online Trading Platforms

Regulatory compliance and legal challenges are major restraints for the stock trading and investing market share. The financial industry is heavily regulated, with strict rules governing trading practices, data protection, and financial disclosures. Compliance with these regulations requires substantial investment in legal expertise, technology, and administrative processes. Changes in regulations can also introduce uncertainty and additional compliance costs for application providers. For example, regulations such as the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) in Europe and the Dodd-Frank Act in the U.S. impose stringent requirements on trading practices and transparency. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in legal penalties and damage to a company’s reputation, which can inhibit market growth and innovation in trading applications.

Market Volatility and Investor Uncertainty

The stock market is highly sensitive to global economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, interest rate fluctuations, and unexpected events (such as pandemics or wars). This inherent volatility can lead to sharp declines in investor confidence and capital outflows, especially among retai...

Global Stock Market Data. More than 150 pricing sources, including biggest world stock exchanges. Pay only for the stock exchanges, parameters or regions you need. Flexible in customizing our product to the customer's needs. Free test access as long as you need for integration. Reliable sources: stock exchanges and market participants. The cost depends on the amount of required parameters and re-distribution right.

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the largest stock exchange in the world, with an equity market capitalization of almost ** trillion U.S. dollars as of June 2025. The following three exchanges were the NASDAQ, PINK Exchange, and the Frankfurt Exchange. What is a stock exchange? A stock exchange is a marketplace where stockbrokers, traders, buyers, and sellers can trade in equities products. The largest exchanges have thousands of listed companies. These companies sell shares of their business, giving the general public the opportunity to invest in them. The oldest stock exchange worldwide is the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, founded in the late sixteenth century. Other functions of a stock exchange Since these are publicly traded companies, every firm listed on a stock exchange has had an initial public offering (IPO). The largest IPOs can raise billions of dollars in equity for the firm involved. Related to stock exchanges are derivatives exchanges, where stock options, futures contracts, and other derivatives can be traded.

The global stock exchange market is a dynamic and substantial sector, exhibiting consistent growth. While precise figures for market size and CAGR are absent from the provided data, a reasonable estimation can be made based on industry trends. Considering the significant role of major exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, London Stock Exchange (LSE), Japan Exchange Group (JPX), and Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), we can infer a substantial market capitalization. The period from 2019-2024 likely saw moderate growth, influenced by factors such as global economic conditions, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. The forecast period (2025-2033) is projected to witness continued expansion, driven by factors such as increasing global investment, the rise of fintech and digital trading platforms, and the growing participation of retail investors. Regional variations in growth will likely persist, with mature markets like North America and Europe potentially exhibiting slower growth compared to emerging markets in Asia and Latin America. However, regulatory uncertainties and geopolitical events could act as potential restraints on market expansion. The segmentation of the market (data not provided) could encompass aspects such as trading volume, technology used, and the types of securities traded, offering a more granular understanding of market dynamics. The long-term outlook for the stock exchange market remains positive, fuelled by sustained economic growth in various regions and the ongoing evolution of trading infrastructure. Technological advancements, including AI-driven trading algorithms and the expansion of digital platforms, are expected to significantly impact the industry. This will likely lead to increased efficiency, lower trading costs, and improved accessibility for investors globally. However, challenges such as cybersecurity threats and the need for robust regulatory frameworks to manage risk will continue to be critical considerations. Further research and analysis into specific market segments and regional breakdowns are needed to gain a more comprehensive picture of the growth trajectory of individual exchanges and their relative market positions within the global landscape.

Market Capitalization: OMX Vilnius Stock Exchange: Baltic Equity List data was reported at 5,229,991,963.128 EUR in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 5,278,659,733.791 EUR for Mar 2025. Market Capitalization: OMX Vilnius Stock Exchange: Baltic Equity List data is updated monthly, averaging 3,554,923,247.410 EUR from Jan 2000 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 304 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9,715,874,261.540 EUR in Oct 2007 and a record low of 789,327,589.570 EUR in Apr 2001. Market Capitalization: OMX Vilnius Stock Exchange: Baltic Equity List data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Nasdaq Vilnius. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Lithuania – Table LT.Z002: Nasdaq Vilnius: Market Capitalization.

Stay updated with Market Research Intellect's Stock Market Report, valued at USD 100 trillion in 2024, projected to reach USD 150 trillion by 2033 with a CAGR of 4.5% (2026-2033).

The Nasdaq stock exchange has seen significant fluctuations in its listed companies over recent years. As of December 2024, the exchange boasted a total of ***** listed companies, with ***** domestic and *** international firms. This diverse mix of listings reflects the Nasdaq's global appeal and its role as a major player in the world of stock exchanges.

Trends in Stock market index. The latest data for over 100 countries around the world.

The global stock market is valued at USD 124 trillion, driven by the growth of retail investors, digital trading innovations, and new transparency regulations across the U.S., China, and Japan.

The average for 2020 based on 28 countries was 47.89 percent. The highest value was in Japan: 82.65 percent and the lowest value was in Zambia: 5 percent. The indicator is available from 1998 to 2020. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Graph and download economic data for Stock Market Capitalization to GDP for World (DISCONTINUED) (DDDM011WA156NWDB) from 1975 to 2015 about market cap, stock market, capital, and GDP.