A stock exchange is a regulated marketplace where companies list their shares to raise funds and investors buy and sell these securities.

World’s major stock exchanges

Stock Exchanges	Trading Hours
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)	Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Nasdaq	Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Eastern Time)
London Stock Exchange (LSE)	Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Greenwich Mean Time)
Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE)	Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Japan Standard Time)
Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE)	Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (China Standard Time)
Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)	Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (China Standard Time)
Euronext	Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Central European Time)
Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FWB)	Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Central European Time)
Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)	Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)	Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

 

How do companies list on stock exchanges?

Companies wanting to list their shares on a stock exchange to raise funds from investors will go through a process known as an initial public offering (IPO). These listed securities can then be bought and sold by investors in the secondary market.

Here are the general IPO steps:

Preparation and Planning:

• Selecting Advisors: Companies typically engage investment banks, legal counsel, and auditors to help with the IPO process.
• Financial Due Diligence: The company prepares financial statements and undergoes rigorous due diligence to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Registration and Filing:

• Drafting the Prospectus: The company creates a prospectus outlining its business, financials, risks, and offering details.
• Filing with Regulators: The company files the prospectus with the securities regulator in the jurisdiction where it intends to list.

Marketing and Roadshow:

• Investor Education: The company’s management and underwriters conduct a roadshow to market the IPO to potential investors.
• Price Setting: Based on investor demand, the final IPO price is determined.

Listing on the Exchange:

• Approval: The stock exchange reviews the company’s application and prospectus for compliance with listing requirements.
• Trading Begins: Shares are listed on the exchange, and trading commences after the IPO is completed.