London Stock Exchange

The London Stock Exchange stands in Paternoster Square in the City of London. Founded in 1801, it is one of the world’s oldest continuously operating exchanges. The exchange has a total market capitalisation of about US$5.9 trillion for all listed instruments. It is operated by the London Stock Exchange Group, which is itself part of the FTSE 100 Index. The exchange lists over 1,900 companies from more than 60 countries. It is a key venue for Global Depositary Receipts, helping firms from emerging markets access international capital. London holds the world’s largest concentration of mining capital, with a sectoral market capitalisation of roughly US$600 billion. The exchange regained its position as Europe’s largest stock market by total market value in 2024 and 2025. Its flagship FTSE 100 index surpassed 10,000 points for the first time in early 2026. Visitors find Paternoster Square a quiet place to stand outside the exchange’s modern building. The square itself is paved and open, with a distinctive column called the Paternoster Column at its centre. The architecture around the square reflects the City’s blend of old and new. The exchange’s history began in coffee houses where brokers first listed prices in 1698. The Royal Exchange, founded in 1571, was the first attempt at a formal marketplace for stocks.