Stock exchange

A stock exchange is the setting where investors meet to trade stocks. Exchanges also provide the technology needed to settle trades and ensure liquidity. While stock exchanges used to always be physical places, they are increasingly becoming virtual.

Expanded Definition

International exchanges are located in most major cities in Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and South America. Africa? Australia?

Traditionally buy and sell orders were matched on an exchange by the specialist. Increasingly orders are being matched electronically.

Compare: Options exchange, Futures exchange

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Related Terms

• American Stock Exchange
• Annual performance of stock markets
• ECN
• Exchange
• Nasdaq
• New York Stock Exchange

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