Australian Securities Exchange

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The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is the primary securities exchange in Australia. It is headquartered in Sydney, and it was established in 1987 through the amalgamation of six independent stock exchanges from various Australian cities. The ASX operates under the umbrella of ASX Limited, a public company listed on the exchange itself.

History

The ASX was formed on 1 April 1987, following the merger of the six independent stock exchanges in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart. This consolidation aimed to create a more efficient and unified market for trading securities in Australia.

Operations

The ASX provides a platform for trading a wide range of financial products, including equities, derivatives, commodities, and fixed income securities. It operates several key indices, such as the S&P/ASX 200, which tracks the performance of the top 200 companies listed on the exchange.

Market Structure

The ASX operates a fully electronic trading system, which enhances the speed and efficiency of transactions. It also offers clearing and settlement services through its subsidiary, ASX Clear, ensuring the integrity and stability of the market.

Regulation

The ASX is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which oversees its compliance with national financial laws and regulations. The ASX also has its own set of listing rules and corporate governance standards that listed companies must adhere to.

Key Indices

• S&P/ASX 200
• S&P/ASX 50
• S&P/ASX 20

Related Pages

• Australian Securities and Investments Commission
• Securities exchange
• Stock market
• ASX Limited
• S&P/ASX 200

See Also

• List of stock exchanges
• Economy of Australia
• Financial markets