Primary Exchange

A primary exchange is the most important stock exchange in a given country. They often share certain characteristics like a storied history, catalog of primary listings from top companies, inventory of important foreign listings, large total market capitalization and significant trade value. A country may have other important stock exchanges in addition to its primary exchange.

For example, the New York Stock Exchange is considered the primary exchange of the United States but that doesn't take away the importance of NASDAQ. The latter is considered one of the largest exchanges in the world and home to the most important technology companies in the United States.

A primary exchange varies from country to country. For example, the United Kingdom's primary exchange is the London Stock Exchange. It was founded in 1571 as the Royal Stock Exchange before changing its name to the London Stock Exchange in 1801. Today, it remains ones of the largest homes for brokers and traders to buy and sell shares of stocks, bonds, and other securities.

Prior to listing on the London Stock Exchange, a company must meet specific criteria: minimum market capitalization of over £700,000, three years of audited financial statements, minimum public float, and capital reserves to cover at least 12 months. The London exchange isn't the only one to employ listing requirements. The New York Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock exchange also require newly listed companies to meet minimum market capitalization and public float conditions.

Such mechanisms prevent penny stocks and underfunded companies from causing havoc on a major exchange. Other primary exchanges around the world include the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada, Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan, Shanghai Stock Exchange in China, and Bombay Stock Exchange in India, to name a few. Each facilitates native companies to raise capital, proceed with an internal public offering, and in general add value. 

Listing a company on a leading global exchange can offer significant benefits. For one thing, large primary exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange leverage market models that lower stock market volatility. By combining market maker oversight with leading technology, they can secure stable price movements throughout regular trading hours.

In addition, primary exchanges boast large networks of innovative and leading companies in different industries and sectors. That means listed companies will attract more eyeballs from a global audience. Other factors to consider with a primary exchange include extensive support and solutions at all stages of development, best-in-class insights into their shares, and greater customer satisfaction.