A stock exchange is an exchange where stock brokers and traders can buy and sell shares of stock, bonds and other securities Many large company have their stocks list on a stock exchange this make the stock more liquid and thus more attractive to many investors. The exchange may also act as a guarantor of settlement. other stock may be traded over the counter that is, through a dealer. some large company will have their stock listed on more than one exchange in different country.
Stock are categorized in various ways. one way is by the country where the company is domiciled. For example, Nestleand Novartis are domiciled in Switzerland, so they may be considered as part of the Swiss stock market, although their stock may also be traded on exchanges in their country, For the America depository receipts on U.s stock market.
As of mid 2017 the size of the world stock market was about US$6.3 trillion. By country, the largest market was the united states follow by Japan and the united states kingdom. These numbers increased in 2013. As of 2015, there are a total of 60 stock exchange in the world with a total market capitalization of $60 stock exchange in the world with a total market capitalization.