What are exchanges & how do they work?

Exchanges give companies, governments, and other groups a platform from which to sell securities to the investing public. Exchanges are marketplaces for the trade of securities, commodities, derivatives, and other financial instruments. Companies may use an exchange to raise capital.

What is a stock exchange & how does it work?

A stock exchange is a marketplace where stocks, bonds and other securities are bought and sold. But stock exchanges are more than just markets: They provide companies with a valuable way to raise capital, encourage investors and companies to be open and transparent, and help the public as a whole understand the value of their investments.

What is the New York Stock Exchange?

The New York Stock Exchange in Lower Manhattan is the world's largest stock exchange per total market capitalization of its listed companies. A stock exchange, securities exchange, or bourse is an exchange where stockbrokers and traders can buy and sell securities, such as shares of stock, bonds and other financial instruments.

What are over-the-Counter exchanges & how do they work?

Over-the-counter exchanges enable securities to be bought or sold outside of major stock exchanges, generally through broker-dealer networks. Typically, stocks that are traded OTC are smaller companies that don’t meet the listing requirements of the major stock exchanges, like penny stocks. Bonds may also be traded OTC.