The main Australian Stock Exchange is located in Sydney, Australia. Today it is formally known as the Australian Securities Exchange, or ASX, and its registered office and principal place of business are in Sydney’s central business district.
The ASX traces its roots to Australia’s state-based stock exchanges. The Sydney Stock Exchange was formed in 1871, and in 1987 the Sydney exchange joined five other state exchanges to create the Australian Stock Exchange. In 2006, the Australian Stock Exchange merged with the Sydney Futures Exchange, creating the modern ASX Group.
A common mix-up is confusing the ASX with the separate Sydney Stock Exchange, or SSX. The ASX is Australia’s primary securities market, while SSX is a distinct, smaller licensed exchange. Melbourne is also a major Australian financial centre and hosted one of the country’s earliest stock exchanges, but it is not the home city of the main national exchange.
The ASX handles equities along with markets and services involving derivatives, fixed income, commodities, clearing, settlement and financial data. Its prominent Sydney presence reflects the city’s role as one of Australia’s principal business and finance hubs.