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Before starting to invest in the stock market, investors should know which are the world's main stock exchanges. This knowledge gives shareholders more confidence during negotiations, especially those who are just starting out in the market.

The world's main stock exchanges 

First of all, before starting to invest in any market, people should know what they are betting on. In this way, the investor avoids problems or frustrations, such as losing significant amounts of money. 

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Before investing in international markets, shareholders should understand which are the world's main stock exchanges. With this knowledge, you can choose the best investment options that meet your needs. 

This market is a trading environment between countries all over the world, but it's important to note that it's not just shares. After all, in some cases it is possible to consider investors' assets as stock. 

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Initially, the Stock Exchange is a place to buy or sell securities, which are issued by companies in various segments. These shares can be public or private, and you can also find mixed options. 

It is in this environment that most trading in financial assets takes place. The Stock Exchanges are regulated and have rules, increasing the security of shareholders when buying or selling securities. To understand more about the subject, it's important to know the main ones. Check them out below:

1. NYSE

The NYSE is the world's leading stock exchange. In other words, it is not only strong in the American market, but throughout the world. Founded in 1792, this exchange brings together a range of assets and derivatives for investors on duty. 

In addition to having a large capitalization, this stock exchange has a high volume of trades on a daily basis. In this way, the NYSE has a significant impact on the world, and boasts one of the largest companies in humanity. 

2. NASDAQ

NASDAQ is the second largest stock exchange in the world. Within the market, it represents more than 13 trillion dollars of capitalization. Founded in 1971, its quotes are electronically denominated. 

In addition, this exchange has helped to reduce the spread between purchases and sales within this market. Another important feature of the NASDAQ is that it is considered a pioneer in internet trading, helping to modernize the IPO process.

Thanks to this modernity, this stock exchange was able to open up electronic companies that still make a difference today, such as Microsoft and Apple. This has guaranteed it a large volume and, as a result, it has become the second largest stock exchange in the world. 

3. Euronext

Unlike the first stock exchanges, Euronext is the main one on the European market. Its history began in 2000, when the Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris stock exchanges merged. As a result of this union, today its market is close to 4 trillion dollars.

Companies listed on Euronext include: L'Oreal, Sanofi, Santander, Carrefour, among others. On the other hand, the most popular benchmarks on this exchange are: PSI 20, CAC 40, BEL 20, among others. 

4. SSE

The SSE is known as the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This stock exchange is the largest in China and is listed among the top exchanges in Asia. 

Founded in 1866, this stock exchange is controlled by the Chinese government, something that is not the case with the stock exchanges mentioned above. 

5. HKEX

The HKEX is Hong Kong's main stock exchange. It is also one of the world's leading exchanges. 

Today, this stock exchange is made up of some of China's most prominent companies. Because of this, it is very important in the Asian market. 

6. TSE

The TSE, the acronym used to refer to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, is one of the most prominent stock exchanges in Asia. Founded in 1878, it has a market value of around 5 trillion dollars.

This stock exchange has more than 2,000 companies listed, offering a wide variety of shares in companies such as: Honda, Softbank, Sony, Honda, among others. Its main stock index is undoubtedly the Nikkei 225, which includes more than 220 Japanese companies. 

6. B3

B3 is Brazil's only stock exchange. Founded in 1890 in São Paulo, it has undergone several changes throughout its history. However, it was only in 2016, when it merged with Nikkei 225, that it was renamed B3, which basically stands for Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão. 

The stock exchange's main market index is the Ibovespa, the vast majority of which is made up of Brazilian companies. It currently has a market value of 1.3 trillion dollars and lists more than 400 companies. 

Among the main companies listed, we can't fail to mention: Ambev, Vale, Gerdau, Petrobras, among others. Although most of the assets are national, investors can also invest in products from other countries. 

7. LSE

The LSE is London's main stock exchange. Founded in 1801, it merged with Borsa Italiana in 2007. 

Today, the stock exchange is made up of thousands of companies and plays a key role as a benchmark throughout Europe. 

How to get exposure to the international stock market

As mentioned above, there are ways to trade assets and derivatives on the national and international markets. If you want to participate in the international stock market, you can invest directly. 

In other words, investors must open an account with the international institution and comply with the rules established by the market. They will then need to convert the exchange rate. 

Because of this, investing in international scholarships is seen as less accessible. In addition, the process is extremely bureaucratic. 

However, there are more ways to open accounts on international exchanges. Check them out below:

  • ETFs: ETFs are index funds. Their main objective is to replicate the theoretical portfolio of a market indicator, both in Brazil and in other countries;
  • BDRs: Another way to gain exposure to the international stock exchange is through BDRs. This is a security that will be issued by a depository institution backed by international assets. 
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