A Brief History Of Stock Market & How It Started

History Of Stock Market: Everything You Need To Know

 

 

The stock market has a rich history that dates back to the 1500s when it began taking shape in Antwerp and London. The modern stock trading began when the Amsterdam Stock Exchange was established in 1668. Certain concepts that are associated with modern stock markets such as initial public offerings or IPOs, as they are commonly known today, were first introduced through this exchange. It also offered shares to the Dutch East India Company.

It didn’t take too long for stock markets to come up in other European cities too. By 1792, the stock market was also found in the newly formed United States on Wall Street in New York City. The initial trading activity mostly included government bonds and bank stocks until the official launch of the New York Stock Exchange in 1817. This was followed by trading stocks of insurance, banking, and coal companies that were situated along the East Coast.

The railroad expansion and rapid industrial revolution meant that stock trading grew exponentially across the Western world through the 19th century. Moreover, with modern communication technologies like the telegraph coming to the fore, long-distance stock transactions became become possible, thereby, leading to the creation of an official national stock market. With time, more private stock exchanges joined hands, which led to the formation of more closely regulated and monitored stock exchanges. An ideal example of this would be the London Stock Exchange and Paris Bourse, both of which came into being during this period.

Also, exchanges began to come up across the United States in places like San Francisco, Chicago, and Kansas City. Subsequently, Charles Dow created the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index to measure industrial stocks that were being traded at the New York Stock Exchange. The efficiency of the Dow can gauged from the fact that even today it is considered as a reliable indicator of the performance of different stocks

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After the stock market saw one of its biggest crashes in 1929, which played a critical role in the Great Depression, strict regulations were enforced to ensure the mitigation of fraud and excessive speculation. The establishment of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the SEC in 1934 was a vital step toward making the stock market more well-regulated. Stock markets from around the world have since witnessed significant growth. Global expansion, better regulations, increased public participation, and rapid technological advancements like electronic trading platforms have played a key role in this growth. This linked the stock markets to both domestic and global economies.

What Is the Stock Market?

Stock Market

The stock market is a marketplace that facilitates the sale and purchase of shares of publicly held companies. These transactions or stock trading, as they are popularly known, take place through over-the-counter (OTC) marketplaces that function according to a well-defined set of regulations.

People often use the terms “stock market” and “stock exchange” interchangeably. Stock traders trade their stocks by selling or purchasing a company’s shares at one or more stock exchanges that are part of the overall stock market ecosystem. These stock exchanges offer traders a safe and secure environment that’s well-regulated, thereby, allowing traders to engage in stock transactions with zero to no operational risks. In accordance with the rules defined by the regulator, stock markets operate as primary and secondary markets.

In the case of the primary market, the stock market allows companies the issue and sale of their shares to the public for the first time. This is done through an exercise called the Initial Public Offering (IPO). The basic objective of an IPO is to help companies raise the required capital from investors for their expansion by putting up the companies’ shares for sale.

As for the investors, they invest in the shares of such companies in the hope that an appreciation in the value of the shares will help them earn a significant return on their investment. The stock market facilitates this exchange for a fee from the company. Investors can also use these stock exchanges to purchase or sell the shares that they own in what is known as the secondary market.

Who Invented The Stock Market?

Unlike other inventions, the invention of the stock market can’t be attributed to an individual. After the creation of the modern stock exchange in Amsterdam in 1602 which led to the introduction of formal trading of bonds and shares, the London Stock Exchange came into being in 1773 as an informal meeting of stockbrokers in coffeehouses. As decades passed, the London Stock Exchange turned into a highly organized stock exchange and one of the most important ones globally.

After the creation of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1896, the DJIA emerged as the most well-known stock market. The early 20th century saw various regulatory policies being implemented on American stock exchanges. The Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 led to the establishment of the FDIC. The Securities Act of 1933 made it mandatory for companies to disclose their financials and register new securities. The Investment Company Act of 1940 regulated investment companies like mutual funds.

There has been a tremendous boom in stock market capitalization since the mid-20th century. Lower trading costs and new options like ETFs and 401(k)s have led to a surge in public participation. Today, stock markets allow investors to customize their risks by offering a wide range of tradable instruments.

How Did The Stock Market Start?

The stock market started with public companies issuing their shares. As companies began selling their stocks to investors, they felt the need for an organized system that would facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of these financial instruments. This paved the way for the stock exchanges in London, Amsterdam, and New York to establish standardized rules, locations, and schedules to attract buyers and sellers.

Initially, trading used to take place on a trading floor where traders and stockbrokers would shout orders and strike deals. However, with the passage of time, exchanges began relying on more organized electronic trading systems that made trading more quick and effective. The advent of telecom networks and the internet further eased trading as much of trading today happens over the phone or computer through virtual stock exchanges. Nevertheless, despite the rapid evolution of mechanisms, the core purpose of stock markets has remained the same i.e., to provide investors with an organized marketplace where they can purchase shares in listed companies.

How Has The Stock Market Evolved?

The stock market has greatly evolved over the years, having witnessed several historical events that have led to varying degrees of shift in investor behavior. Also, regulations and technological breakthroughs have played a key role in driving the evolution of the stock market. Here are the major milestones that have had an impact on how the stock market has evolved over the years.

  • Industrial Revolution and Railroad Expansion

The 19th century was marked by two major developments i.e, the industrial revolution and massive expansion of railroads. These two developments together resulted in capital formation and the establishment of new industries, which laid the foundation for the emergence of stock exchanges in London and New York.

  • The Great Depression

While the 19th century was a period of great boom for the stock market, the early 20th century was marred by the Great War. This upset the global balances of power and caused a shock to the existing financial order, culminating into the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression. Naturally, this was followed by much needed regulatory reforms. The Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 were an extension of these reforms and sought to restore investor confidence.

  • World War II

As the world grappled to come to terms with the aftermath of the World War II, the global economy gradually recovered. The era after the war saw the emergence of the baby boomer geenation that went on to become a formidable force in the financial world.

  • Technological Developments

As the world moved toward gloabalization and developing countries began liberalizing their economies, the stock market gained momentum on the back of several technological advancements. Computerized order matching and electronic trading systems went a long way in reducing trading costs and driving overall efficiency.

  • Rise of Index Funds and ETFs

The late 20th century and early 21st century witnessed a surge in the popularity of index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These investment vehicles offer diversified exposure to entire market indices and have become significant components of many investors’ portfolios.

  • Financial Crises and Regulatory Responses

Events such as the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s and the 2008 global financial crisis prompted regulatory adjustments to enhance market stability and investor protection. Reforms included the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in the U.S.

Impact of Significant Historical Events on Stock Markets

Let’s take a look at specific examples of how significant historical events, including wars and technological breakthroughs, have impacted the stock market.

1. World War II

During the Second World War, stock markets experienced a mix of effects. As the war began, Initially, there was a period of uncertainty and market volatility initially. However, as the United States entered the war and shifted its economy toward wartime production, the stock market started to rally.

The U.S. stock market rebounded during the war, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) reaching its 1942 low and then more than doubling by the end of the war in 1945. The war effort led to increased industrial production, benefiting many sectors.

2. Technological Advancements

Of all the technological breakthroughs, the advent of the Internet in the last decade of the 20th century has probably had the the most significant impact on stock markets. Many internet-driven companies like the Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon went on to become mega corporations and gained heavily during the period of dot-com boom.

3. The Dot-Com Bubble

While the Internet considerably influenced the fortunes of companies during the late twentieth century, the dot-com bubble saw excessive speculation in internet-related companies, which resulted in inflated stock prices. As the bubble burst, companies that had gained significantly during this period found themselves on the verge of bankruptcy and many of them were even wiped out. This event emphasized the significance of fundamental valuations and exposed the risks associated with speculative investments.

4. Housing Bubble Burst and 2008 Recession

The 2008 recession was another event in recent history that adversely affected the global stock markets. The main cause of the recession was the excessive mortgage lending by banks to borrowers who didn’t qualify for home loans. This put the lender at a great risk, however, they chose to take this risk as they simply passed off these loans as an instrument that they sold. This ultimately put the investors at risk. It led to a massive decline in equity values and even major stock indices like the DJIA and S&P 500 were hit by massive losses.

5. COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns brought the entire world to a standstill in late 2019 and the first half of 2020. This had widespread impact on the stock market, creating a panic sell-off. As a result, major indices like the S&P 500 saw a dramatic decline during this period.

What Are The Largest Stock Market Crashes?

There have been a few significant stock market crashes that have had far-reaching impacts on global economies throughout history. Here are some of the largest and most notable stock market crashes.

  • The Wall Street Crash of 1929

The Wall Street Crash of 1929 was one of the most devastating market crashes in history. It began on October 29, 1929, also known as Black Tuesday, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) tanked, leading to widespread panic selling and economic turmoil.

  • Black Monday (1987)

Rising inflation and slowed economic growth in the first three quarters of 1987 led to a significant crash in global financial markets on October 19, 1987. This crash came to be known as Black Monday. The DJIA saw a steep decline of over 22%. This remains the biggest one-day drop in percentage in the history of American stock market.

  • Dot-Com Bubble Burst (2000-2002)

Many internet-based companies benefitted from the speculative bubble in tech stocks during the late 1990s. However, once the bubble burst in March 2000, their stock values torpedoed and many of these internet-based companies went insolvent overnight. In fact, the Nasdaq Composite index, which was heavily tilted toward technology, fell from 5,048 to 1,139, which wiped out all the gains that it had made during the bubble.

  • Global Financial Crisis (2008)

Lehman Brothers’ failure, which had a widespread effect on the subprime mortgage issue, set off the 2008 financial crisis. The crisis brought about a deep recession and a downturn in the world stock market. Important indices suffered large losses, such as the Dow Jones and S&P 500.

  • COVID-19 Pandemic Crash (2020)

In early 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic caused a severe collapse in the world’s financial markets. Significant sell-off was caused by worries about the effects lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and uncertainty would have on the economy. Global stock indices experienced sharp drops, with certain markets moving into bear territory.

 

Challenges & Opportunities That Stock Markets Currently Face

With an ever-evolving financial order, the challenges and opportunities in stock markets are immense. Let’s take a brief look at these.

Challenges Faced By Stock Markets

Some of the major challenges faced by stock markets are as follows.

  • Market Volatility

The stock market can experience periods of increased volatility due to a range of factors, including economic data releases, geopolitical events, or unexpected global events. Managing this volatility can be challenging for investors.

  • Interest Rates and Monetary Policy

Changes in interest rates and monetary policy decisions by central banks can affect stock prices. Investors often closely monitor central bank announcements for indications of future economic conditions.

 

  • Geopolitical Tensions

Political and geopolitical events, such as trade tensions, conflicts, or changes in government policies, can create uncertainty in the markets and impact investor sentiment.

  • Pandemic-Related Challenges

Ongoing or future health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can disrupt global supply chains, impact corporate earnings, and influence market dynamics.

 

Opportunities For Stock Markets

Here are some of the major opportunities that stock markets can leverage.

  • Technological Innovation

Rapid technological advancements present massive opportunities for investors. Companies driving innovations in areas like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and fintech may experience growth and contribute to market opportunities.

  • Global Expansion

Investors can benefit from opportunities in international markets as globalization continues. Expanding into emerging markets or sectors with strong growth potential can diversify portfolios.

  • Green and Sustainable Investing

Growing awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors has led to increased interest in sustainable and responsible investing. Companies focusing on ESG principles may attract investors seeking both financial returns and positive societal impact.

Why Are Stock Markets Important?

Stock markets are important for three main reasons. Firstly, they help companies raise capital for their expansion plans, research and development, and business operations. As stock markets allow investors to earn high returns, investors purchase a company’s shares to earn through dividends and capital gains.

Secondly, the stock market provides institutional investors with an avenue to invest and grow their wealth considerably. Through the sale and purchase of shares, investors get the chance to participate in the success of companies, receive dividends, and benefit from capital appreciation. Thus, the stock market serves as a platform for wealth creation and financial planning for a diverse range of market participants.

Thirdly, stock markets enhance market liquidity by providing a marketplace for the purchase and sale of securities. This liquidity plays a critical role in efficient price discovery and allows investors to transact at fair market prices. The ability to quickly convert assets into cash and the transparency in pricing result in a well-functioning financial system, thereby allowing investors to effectively manage their risks and make informed financial decisions.

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