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.

Global Stock Market Financial Dataset (from TradingView)

This collection provides a comprehensive snapshot of over 11,800 publicly traded companies worldwide. It combines multiple financial statements and performance indicators extracted from TradingView to support data analysis, stock screening, and financial modeling.

Files Overview

1.tradingview_all_stocks.csv Contains general stock information and market statistics.

Columns: ticker, name, close, change, change_abs, volume, market_cap_basic, price_earnings_ttm, sector, industry Size: 11,806 rows × 10 columns Description: Lists all active stocks with latest prices, PE ratios, and sector/industry classifications.

2.tradingview_performance.csv Tracks short- and long-term stock performance.

Columns (sample): ticker, name, close, Perf.W, Perf.1M, Perf.3M, Perf.6M, Perf.YTD, Perf.1Y, Perf.5Y, etc. Size: 11,814 rows × 17 columns Description: Shows relative percentage performance across multiple timeframes.

3.balance_sheet.csv Summarizes financial position and liquidity metrics.

Columns: total_assets_fq, cash_n_short_term_invest_fq, total_liabilities_fq, total_debt_fq, net_debt_fq, total_equity_fq, current_ratio_fq Size: 11,821 rows × 12 columns Description: Includes key balance sheet values, enabling leverage and liquidity analysis.

4.cashflow.csv Focuses on company cash generation and sustainability.

Columns: free_cash_flow_ttm Size: 11,821 rows × 4 columns Description: Provides trailing twelve-month free cash flow figures for profitability evaluation.

5.dividends.csv Details dividend-related statistics.

Columns: dividends_yield, dividend_payout_ratio_ttm Size: 11,823 rows × 5 columns Description: Useful for income-focused investors; includes dividend yields and payout ratios.

6.income_statement.csv Presents company earnings metrics.

Columns: total_revenue_ttm, gross_profit_ttm, net_income_ttm, ebitda_ttm Size: 11,821 rows × 7 columns Description: Captures profitability over the last 12 months for revenue and margin analysis.

7.profitability.csv Shows margin-based performance indicators.

Columns: gross_margin_ttm, operating_margin_ttm, net_margin_ttm, ebitda_margin_ttm Size: 11,823 rows × 7 columns Description: Enables efficiency and operational performance comparisons across companies.

Use Cases 1. Stock market and financial analysis 2. Portfolio optimization and factor modeling 3. Machine learning for price prediction 4. Company benchmarking and screening 5. Academic or educational use in finance courses

Data Source & Notes 1. All data was aggregated from TradingView using public financial data endpoints. 2. Missing values may occur for companies that do not report certain metrics. 3. All monetary figures are based on the latest available TTM (Trailing Twelve Months) or FQ (Fiscal Quarter) data at the time of extraction.

As of early 2025, companies in the information technology sector made up ** percent of the total market capitalization of all stock exchanges worldwide. Tech companies worldwide had a combined market capitalization of approximately ** trillion U.S. dollars. The second largest sector on stock markets worldwide was the financial services industry, with a market cap of ** trillion U.S. dollars, followed by the industrials sector with ** trillion U.S. dollars. On the other hand, real estate and utilities were the least represented sectors on stock markets worldwide.

The dataset contains 12 leading global stock indices and stock prices of companies.

About:

This dataset encompasses the historical data of major stock indices from around the world, sourced directly from Yahoo Finance. With data reaching back to the early 1920s (where available), it serves as an invaluable repository for academic researchers, financial analysts, and market enthusiasts. Users can delve into trends across decades, evaluate historical market behaviors, or even design and validate predictive financial models.

Photo by Tötös Ádám on Unsplash

Info on CSVs:

1. all_indices_data.csv:

   • Description: A consolidated dataset merging all the stock indices from Yahoo Finance.
   • Columns:
     • date: The date of the data point (formatted as YYYY-MM-DD).
     • open: The opening value of the index on that date.
     • high: The highest value of the index during the trading session.
     • low: The lowest value of the index during the trading session.
     • close: The closing value of the index.
     • volume: The trading volume of the index on that date.
     • ticker: The ticker symbol of the stock index.

2. individual_indices_data/[SYMBOL]_data.csv:

   • Description: Individual datasets for each stock index, where [SYMBOL] denotes the ticker symbol of the respective stock index. Each dataset is curated from Yahoo Finance's historical data archives.
   • Columns:
     • date: The date of the data point (formatted as YYYY-MM-DD).
     • open: The opening value of the index on that date.
     • high: The highest value of the index during the trading session.
     • low: The lowest value of the index during the trading session.
     • close: The closing value of the index.
     • volume: The trading volume of the index on that date.

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 November 2025. The following largest 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 average for 2022 based on 75 countries was 1225.97 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 2024. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The value of global domestic equity market increased from ***** trillion U.S. dollars in 2013 to ****** trillion U.S. dollars in 2024. 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 ** 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 ** 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 a market cap of *** billion U.S. dollars as of March 2025.

The global stock market demonstrates a robust growth trajectory, poised for significant expansion in the coming decade. Projections indicate the market will surge from approximately $9.55 trillion in 2021 to over $23.85 trillion by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.926%. This growth is underpinned by strong corporate earnings, technological advancements in trading, and increasing participation from retail investors. While North America currently dominates in terms of market size, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing hub, driven by the burgeoning economies of India and China. Factors such as monetary policies, geopolitical stability, and regulatory environments will continue to be pivotal in shaping regional market dynamics and overall global performance.

Key strategic insights from our comprehensive analysis reveal:

The Asia-Pacific region is the primary growth engine for the global stock market, exhibiting the highest CAGR of 9.112%, with nations like India and China leading this rapid expansion.
North America, particularly the United States, will maintain its position as the largest market by value, commanding a significant share of the global total, despite a slightly more moderate growth rate compared to APAC.
There is a consistent and broad-based growth trend across all major global regions, indicating widespread investor confidence and economic recovery, though the pace of expansion varies, highlighting diverse investment opportunities and risks.

Global Market Overview & Dynamics of Stock Market Analysis The global stock market is on a path of sustained and significant growth, driven by a confluence of economic, technological, and social factors. The market is forecast to expand from $9.55 trillion in 2021 to nearly $23.86 trillion by 2033. This expansion reflects growing global wealth, increased corporate profitability, and the continuous innovation in financial technologies that makes investing more accessible. However, this growth is not without its challenges, as markets must navigate through geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and evolving regulatory landscapes that can introduce volatility and uncertainty.

Global Stock Market Drivers

Favorable Economic Conditions: Broad-based global GDP growth, coupled with supportive monetary policies from central banks in major economies, stimulates corporate investment and boosts earnings, attracting investors to equity markets.
Technological Innovation and Accessibility: The proliferation of online trading platforms, robo-advisors, and mobile investing apps has democratized access to stock markets, leading to a surge in retail investor participation.
Corporate Profitability and IPO Activity: Strong and resilient corporate earnings growth, along with a healthy pipeline of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) from innovative companies, continually injects fresh capital and opportunities into the market.

Global Stock Market Trends

Rise of ESG Investing: There is a rapidly growing trend of investors integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into their investment decisions, pushing companies to adopt more sustainable practices.
Increased Focus on Emerging Markets: Investors are increasingly allocating capital to emerging markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and South American regions, in pursuit of higher growth potential compared to more mature markets.
Growth of Passive Investing: The shift towards passive investment strategies, such as index funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), continues to gain momentum due to their lower costs and broad market exposure.

Global Stock Market Restraints

Geopolitical Instability and Trade Disputes: International conflicts, trade wars, and political uncertainty can disrupt global supply chains, dampen investor sentiment, and lead to significant market volatility.
Inflation and Interest Rate Hikes: Persistent inflationary pressures force central banks to raise interest rates, which increases borrowing costs for companies and can make less risky assets like bonds more attractive relative to stocks.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Complexity: Stricter regulations on financial markets, data privacy, and corporate governance can increase compliance costs and limit certain market activities, potentially hindering growth.

Strategic Recommendations for Manufacturers

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As of early 2025, companies in the information technology sector made up ** percent of the total market capitalization of all stock exchanges worldwide. The second largest sector on stock markets worldwide was the financial services industry, accounting for ** percent of the total, followed by the industrials sector with ** percent. On the other hand, real estate and utilities were the least represented sectors on stock markets worldwide, accounting for ***** percent of total market capitalization, respectively.

Stock Exchanges Market Outlook

The global stock exchanges market size is projected to grow from USD 85 billion in 2023 to USD 130 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8%. This steady growth is underpinned by a multitude of factors, including advancements in trading technology, the increasing complexity of financial instruments, and the rising participation of retail and institutional investors in global financial markets. The proliferation of electronic trading platforms, alongside traditional stock exchanges, is also contributing significantly to the growth of this market, providing enhanced accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in trading operations worldwide.

A key growth factor driving the expansion of the stock exchanges market is the ongoing digital transformation across the financial sector. With the advent of sophisticated trading technologies such as algorithmic trading and high-frequency trading, stock exchanges are increasingly adopting cutting-edge IT infrastructures to handle large volumes of trade data with superior accuracy and speed. Furthermore, the development of blockchain technology is poised to revolutionize clearing and settlement processes, reducing costs and the time taken for transaction finalization. This technological evolution is not only enhancing the operational efficiency of stock exchanges but also broadening the scope for innovative financial products, thereby attracting a wider array of market participants.

Another significant driver is the globalization of financial markets, which has led to a convergence in trading practices and regulations. As cross-border investments surge, stock exchanges are compelled to offer diverse products and services to cater to a global clientele. This necessitates continuous improvements in trading platforms and regulatory frameworks to manage the complexities associated with international investments. Additionally, increasing wealth in emerging economies is spurring investment activities, thereby boosting the demand for reliable and efficient stock exchanges. These dynamics are fueling the growth of the market by fostering an environment conducive to investment and financial inclusivity.

The increasing interest from retail investors is also a major factor contributing to the growth of the stock exchanges market. The advent of user-friendly trading apps and platforms has democratized stock trading, enabling retail investors to participate actively in financial markets. Enhanced financial literacy and the widespread availability of information have empowered individual investors to make informed decisions, leading to an upsurge in market participation. This rise in retail trading volume is prompting stock exchanges to innovate and expand their offerings to accommodate this burgeoning segment, thus driving market growth.

Regionally, North America continues to dominate the stock exchanges market, driven by the presence of major exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ. However, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a formidable player due to rapid economic growth, regulatory reforms, and technological advancements in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region is witnessing a significant influx of foreign capital, bolstering trading activities and propelling market expansion. Europe also holds a substantial share, supported by its mature financial markets and strong institutional investor base. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are exhibiting potential for growth, albeit at a relatively slower pace, as they develop their financial infrastructures and regulatory environments.

Type Analysis

The stock exchanges market is bifurcated into traditional stock exchanges and electronic trading platforms, each serving distinct roles in the financial ecosystem. Traditional stock exchanges have long been the cornerstone of financial markets, operating as centralized venues where securities are bought and sold. These exchanges, such as the NYSE and London Stock Exchange, are characterized by their stringent regulatory frameworks and structured trading environments, which instill confidence and trust among market participants. Despite the technological advancements, traditional exchanges continue to hold a significant share of the market due to their established reputations and the comprehensive services they offer, including listing, trading, and settlement.

On the other hand, electronic trading platforms have gained momentum in recent years, driven by the demand for greater efficiency and flexibility in trading. These platf

New York Stock Exchange: Index: Dow Jones US Large Cap Total Stock Market Index data was reported at 12,988.120 NA in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 13,072.870 NA for Mar 2025. New York Stock Exchange: Index: Dow Jones US Large Cap Total Stock Market Index data is updated monthly, averaging 6,845.950 NA from Aug 2013 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 141 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 14,146.240 NA in Jan 2025 and a record low of 3,846.950 NA in Aug 2013. New York Stock Exchange: Index: Dow Jones US Large Cap Total Stock Market Index data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Exchange Data International Limited. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.EDI.SE: New York Stock Exchange: Dow Jones: Monthly.

Stock Analysis Software Market Outlook

The global stock analysis software market size was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 3.5 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by the increasing adoption of advanced analytics tools by individual investors and financial institutions to make informed investment decisions. The rising demand for automated trading systems and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in stock analysis software are significant growth factors contributing to the market expansion.

One of the primary growth factors for the stock analysis software market is the increasing complexity and volume of financial data. With the exponential growth of data from various sources such as social media, news articles, and financial statements, investors and financial analysts require sophisticated tools to process and interpret this information accurately. Stock analysis software equipped with AI and ML algorithms can analyze vast datasets in real-time, providing valuable insights and predictive analytics that enhance investment strategies. Moreover, the growing trend of algorithmic trading, which relies heavily on high-speed data processing and automated decision-making, is further propelling the market growth.

Another crucial growth driver is the rising awareness and adoption of stock analysis software among individual investors. As more individuals seek to actively manage their investment portfolios, there is a growing demand for user-friendly and cost-effective stock analysis tools that offer comprehensive market analysis, technical indicators, and personalized investment recommendations. The proliferation of mobile applications and the increasing accessibility of cloud-based stock analysis solutions have made it easier for retail investors to access advanced analytical tools, thereby contributing to market expansion.

The integration of innovative technologies such as natural language processing (NLP) and sentiment analysis into stock analysis software is also a significant growth factor. These technologies enable the software to interpret and analyze unstructured data from news articles, social media, and other textual sources to gauge market sentiment and predict stock price movements. This capability is particularly valuable in today's fast-paced financial markets, where sentiment and news events can have a substantial impact on stock prices. The continuous advancements in AI and NLP technologies are expected to drive further innovations and improvements in stock analysis software, thereby boosting market growth.

In the evolving landscape of financial technology, Investor Relations Tools have become indispensable for companies seeking to maintain transparent and effective communication with their stakeholders. These tools facilitate seamless interaction between companies and their investors, providing real-time updates, financial reports, and strategic insights. By leveraging these tools, companies can enhance their investor engagement strategies, build trust, and foster long-term relationships with their shareholders. The integration of advanced analytics and AI-driven insights into Investor Relations Tools further empowers companies to tailor their communication strategies, ensuring that they meet the diverse needs of their investor base. As the demand for transparency and accountability in financial markets continues to grow, the adoption of sophisticated Investor Relations Tools is expected to rise, playing a crucial role in the broader ecosystem of stock analysis software.

From a regional perspective, North America is anticipated to hold the largest market share due to the high concentration of financial institutions, brokerage firms, and individual investors in the region. The presence of key market players and the early adoption of advanced technologies also contribute to the dominant position of North America in the global stock analysis software market. Additionally, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing number of retail investors, rapid economic development, and the growing financial markets in countries such as China and India.

Component Analysis

This dataset encapsulates a detailed examination of market dynamics over a five-year period, focusing on the fluctuation of prices and trading volumes across a diversified portfolio. It covers various sectors including energy commodities like natural gas and crude oil, metals such as copper, platinum, silver, and gold, cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum, and key stock indices and companies like the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, Google, Nvidia, Berkshire Hathaway, Netflix, Amazon, and Meta Platforms. This dataset serves as a valuable resource for analyzing trends and patterns in global markets.

Date: The date of the recorded data, formatted as DD-MM-YYYY. Natural_Gas_Price: Price of natural gas in USD per million British thermal units (MMBtu). Natural_Gas_Vol.: Trading volume of natural gas Crude_oil_Price: Price of crude oil in USD per barrel. Crude_oil_Vol.: Trading volume of crude oil Copper_Price: Price of copper in USD per pound. Copper_Vol.: Trading volume of copper Bitcoin_Price: Price of Bitcoin in USD. Bitcoin_Vol.: Trading volume of Bitcoin Platinum_Price: Price of platinum in USD per troy ounce. Platinum_Vol.: Trading volume of platinum Ethereum_Price: Price of Ethereum in USD. Ethereum_Vol.: Trading volume of Ethereum S&P_500_Price: Price index of the S&P 500. Nasdaq_100_Price: Price index of the Nasdaq 100. Nasdaq_100_Vol.: Trading volume for the Nasdaq 100 index Apple_Price: Stock price of Apple Inc. in USD. Apple_Vol.: Trading volume of Apple Inc. stock Tesla_Price: Stock price of Tesla Inc. in USD. Tesla_Vol.: Trading volume of Tesla Inc. stock Microsoft_Price: Stock price of Microsoft Corporation in USD. Microsoft_Vol.: Trading volume of Microsoft Corporation stock Silver_Price: Price of silver in USD per troy ounce. Silver_Vol.: Trading volume of silver Google_Price: Stock price of Alphabet Inc. (Google) in USD. Google_Vol.: Trading volume of Alphabet Inc. stock Nvidia_Price: Stock price of Nvidia Corporation in USD. Nvidia_Vol.: Trading volume of Nvidia Corporation stock Berkshire_Price: Stock price of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in USD. Berkshire_Vol.: Trading volume of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. stock Netflix_Price: Stock price of Netflix Inc. in USD. Netflix_Vol.: Trading volume of Netflix Inc. stock Amazon_Price: Stock price of Amazon.com Inc. in USD. Amazon_Vol.: Trading volume of Amazon.com Inc. stock Meta_Price: Stock price of Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook) in USD. Meta_Vol.: Trading volume of Meta Platforms, Inc. stock Gold_Price: Price of gold in USD per troy ounce. Gold_Vol.: Trading volume of gold

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Twelve Data is a technology-driven company that provides financial market data, financial tools, and dedicated solutions. Large audiences - from individuals to financial institutions - use our products to stay ahead of the competition and success.

At Twelve Data we feel responsible for where the markets are going and how people are able to explore them. Coming from different technological backgrounds, we see how the world is lacking the unique and simple place where financial data can be accessed by anyone, at any time. This is what distinguishes us from others, we do not only supply the financial data but instead, we want you to benefit from it, by using the convenient format, tools, and special solutions.

We believe that the human factor is still a very important aspect of our work and therefore our ethics guides us on how to treat people, with convenient and understandable resources. This includes world-class documentation, human support, and dedicated solutions.

Discover the future of the global stock market. This in-depth analysis reveals key trends, drivers, and restraints impacting growth through 2033, along with regional market share projections and insights into leading companies. Explore the opportunities and challenges in this dynamic trillion-dollar market.

Description: The "Global Stock Price Archive" is a comprehensive dataset that provides a historical record of stock prices from a wide range of stock markets across the globe. This dataset is a valuable resource for researchers, investors, and analysts seeking to analyze trends, perform financial research, or develop trading strategies. Multi-Market Coverage: Historical stock price data from major stock exchanges worldwide, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, London Stock Exchange (LSE), Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), and many others.

Time Series Data: Daily, weekly, or monthly stock price information over a significant timeframe, allowing users to track the performance of individual stocks or market indices.

Ticker Symbols: Ticker symbols or stock codes for easy identification of individual companies or securities.

Open, Close, High, Low Prices: Detailed pricing information, including opening prices, closing prices, daily highs, and lows.

Volume and Trading Data: Trading volumes, bid-ask spreads, and other relevant trading statistics.

Adjustments: Adjusted prices to account for factors like dividends, stock splits, and other corporate actions.

Data Formats: The dataset may be available in various formats, such as CSV, Excel, or API access, to accommodate different user needs

Context

This dataset provides comprehensive historical data for the Nifty 50 Index, including daily open, high, low, close prices, and trade volumes. Spanning the period for Year 2024-2025, it captures market trends across India's leading stock index during a time of significant economic shifts, including the global pandemic and post-recovery phases.

The NIFTY 50 is a benchmark Indian stock market index that represents the weighted average of 50 of the largest Indian companies listed on the National Stock Exchange. It is one of the two main stock indices used in India, the other being the BSE SENSEX.

Nifty 50 is owned and managed by NSE Indices (previously known as India Index Services & Products Limited), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NSE Strategic Investment Corporation Limited. NSE Indices had a marketing and licensing agreement with Standard & Poor's for co-branding equity indices until 2013. The Nifty 50 index was launched on 22 April 1996 and is one of the many stock indices of Nifty.

Data can be useful for trend analysis, volatility studies, and investment strategy development for both long-term and short-term market assessments.

The NIFTY 50 index is a free-float market capitalization weighted index. The index was initially calculated on a full market capitalization methodology. On 26 June 2009, the computation was changed to a free-float methodology. The base period for the NIFTY 50 index is 3 November 1995, which marked the completion of one year of operations of the National Stock Exchange Equity Market Segment. The base value of the index has been set at 1000 and a base capital of ₹ 2.06 trillion.

Graph and download economic data for Stock Market Total Value Traded to GDP for United States (DDDM02USA156NWDB) from 1975 to 2019 about market cap, stock market, trade, GDP, and USA.

This statistic shows the largest global stock exchanges globally as of March 2025, ranked by the value of electronic order book share trading. In that time, the NYSE Stock Market was the largest stock exchange worldwide, with the value of EOB shares traded amounting to *** trillion U.S. dollars. Stock exchanges — additional information Stock exchanges are an important part of the free market economic system and are the most important component of the stock market. A stock exchange provides the setting in which stockbrokers, sellers, buyers, and traders can be brought together to take part in the sale of shares, bonds, derivatives and other securities. The core function of a stock exchange is to enable the fair and orderly trading, as well as the provision of price information, of any securities being traded on that exchange. Originally the exchanges were physical places (in some world locations the goods are still traded over-the-counter) but with time, they took the shape of an electronic platform. In order that company shares may be bought, traded and sold on a stock exchange, the company is required to have undergone an initial public offering process (IPO) on that particular exchange. The initial public offering of Alibaba Group Holding, a Chinese company operating in the e-commerce sector, on the New York Stock Exchange in September 2014, was the largest listing in the United States since 1996. The IPO of Alibaba Group Holding raised approximately ***** billion U.S. dollars.