How Does the London Stock Exchange Work?

By Anna Duncan

The London Stock Exchange is one of the world’s oldest and most prominent stock exchanges. Established in 1801, it has become a symbol of London’s financial prowess and global influence.

What is the London Stock Exchange?

The London Stock Exchange, or LSE for short, is a marketplace where companies can raise capital by selling shares to the public. It provides a platform for buyers and sellers to trade securities such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives.

How Does it Work?

The LSE operates on an electronic trading platform called the SETS (Stock Exchange Electronic Trading Service). Buyers and sellers can submit their orders through their brokers who are registered with the exchange.

When a buy order matches with a sell order, a trade is executed, and both parties receive confirmation of the transaction. This process happens in real-time, which means that prices are constantly changing based on supply and demand.

Who Can Trade on the LSE?

Not everyone can trade directly on the LSE; only authorized members can do so. These members are either firms or individuals who have met certain criteria set by the exchange.

However, anyone can invest in companies listed on the LSE by buying their shares through a broker or an online trading platform.

What are Indices?

An index is a statistical measure of changes in a particular market or asset class. The LSE has several indices that track different segments of its market such as FTSE 100, FTSE 250, FTSE All-Share, etc.

These indices provide investors with an overall view of how specific segments of the market are performing over time. They also serve as benchmarks against which fund managers can measure their performance.

Benefits of Listing on the LSE

Listing on the LSE provides several benefits for companies such as access to capital from a global investor base, increased visibility and credibility, and the ability to use their shares as currency for acquisitions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the London Stock Exchange is an essential component of the global financial system. Its electronic trading platform allows for efficient and transparent market transactions, while its indices provide investors with valuable insights into market performance. Companies that choose to list on the LSE can reap many benefits from increased access to capital to higher visibility in the global market.