A stock exchange, sometimes referred to as a bourse, is an exchange were traders and stock brokers can buy or sell stocks as well as bonds and other securities. Every exchange has its own listing requirements that all stocks need to meet before they can be listed. These conditions may include a minimum: number of shares, annual income, or market capitalization.
While you’ll find many stock exchanges across the world, the top five (and their websites) include:
1. New York Stock Exchange
The New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, is often referred to as the “Big Board.” Situated on 11 Wall Street in New York City, New York, the NYSE is the largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalization. Intercontinental Exchange is the current owner of the exchange, and it was previously a part of the NYSE Euronext.
On the exchange’s website, traders will find a wealth of information on how to trade, real-time data, insights, regulation and how to list.
2. NASDAQ
The NASDAQ is the world’s second-largest stock exchange by market capitalization, and is owned by NASDAQ OMX Group.
The exchange has a pre-market trading session, regular trading session and a post-trading session. It also has three tiers:
- Global Market (mid cap)
- Capital Market (small cap)
- Select market (large cap)
Each of these tiers has its own requirements.
On the NASDAQ website, traders can find useful information to make investments, including quotes, market data, analysis, news, and educational resources on how to invest.
3. London Stock Exchange Group
The London Stock Exchange Group is based in Britain and serves as both a stock exchange and a financial information company. The exchange’s headquarters is located in London, U.K., and it also owns several other entities, including:
- Borsa Italiana
- London Stock Exchange
- Russell Investments
The London Stock Exchange is the largest stock exchange in Europe, while Borsa Italiana is the leading stock exchange in Italy.
In 2015, the exchange brought in £1.4 billion in revenue and had £584.7 million in operating income.
On the exchange group’s website, visitors can find information on markets, trading and other trading resources.
4. Japan Exchange Group
The Japan Exchange Group, or JSX, is the third-largest exchange in the world and the largest bourse in Asia.
The Tokyo-based financial services corporation operates numerous securities exchanges, including Osaka Securities Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
On the exchange’s website, you’ll find information on listed companies, market news, trading rules, derivatives and equities, and data and statistics.

5. Shanghai Stock Exchange
The Shanghai Stock Exchange is based in Shanghai, China, and is one of the two exchanges operated independently in the country. It’s the world’s fifth-largest stock exchange in terms of market capitalization.
The present exchange was re-established in 1990 after a hiatus that lasted 41 years.
The exchange’s website offers information on the exchange itself, its products, how to list, trading and becoming a member, rules and regulations, indices and statistics, and information for foreign investors.
It’s important to note that you can’t actually perform trades on stock exchange websites. In order to trade, you’ll need to work with a broker in most cases. But stock exchange websites do offer valuable information, including news and analysis, that can help you make smart investment decisions.