Creating investment opportunities for small investors:

The Stock Exchange provides opportunity for small investors like the big investors to own shares of the same or different companies.

History of stock exchanges:

In 12th century France, the courratiers de change were concerned with managing the debts of agricultural communities on behalf of the banks and these men also traded in debts. These men were the first brokers.

In the middle of the 13th century, Venetian bankers traded in government securities. In 1351, the Venetian Government outlawed spreading rumors about lowering the price of government funds. Because of this rumor people in Pisa, Verona, Genoa and Florence also started trading in government securities which was possible because there were independent city states ruled by a council of powerful citizens during the 14th century.

Raising capital for businesses:

The Stock Exchange helps current and newly-formed companies raise capital for building and expanding their business through selling shares to the investing public.

Mobilizing savings for investment:

When people draw their savings and invest in shares, it leads to a more balanced allotment of resources because funds, which could have been consumed, or kept in idle deposits with banks, are mobilized to promote business activity that benefits several economic sectors like agriculture, commerce and industry, resulting in a stronger economic growth.

Government capital-raising for development projects:

Governments at various levels may decide to borrow money to finance infrastructure projects such as sewage and water treatment works or housing estates by selling another category of securities known as bonds. These obligations are raised in the stock market, where the government buys them, then lend the government money. The issuance of such municipal bonds can prevent the need to directly tax citizens to finance development, although in securing such bonds with the faith and credit of the government instead of with certainty, the result is that the government must tax the citizens or otherwise raise additional funds for regular coupon payments and repayment of principal when the bonds mature.

Listing requirements:

Listing requirements are the set of conditions forced by any given stock exchange upon companies that want to be listed on that exchange.

Requirements by stock exchange:

For companies to have their stock and shares listed at the stock exchange have to meet certain requirements of the exchange. But requirements vary in different exchanges.