About WFE

The World Federation of Exchanges

We are the trade association of 52 publicly regulated stock, futures and options exchanges. Our market operators are responsible for the functioning of key components in the financial world. 

Exchanges across the globe saw the value of their indexes drop an average of 11.5% in USD terms in the first six months of 2010.

Among the markets showing gains in the first half of 2010, most were from emerging economies. In addition, several European exchanges in the NASDAQ OMX family, notably Copenhagen, Iceland, and Stockholm, rallied despite an 18% fall in the European/Middle East /African zone. The complete report may be viewed here: (2010 first half market statistics)   

Emerging markets and exchanges for junior companies led fund raising activities. Shenzhen Stock Exchange, the mainland market for smaller companies, led all WFE members with USD 22.6 billion raised for initial public offerings (IPOs). That was more than the combined totals for BME Spanish Exchanges, Korea Exchange and London Stock Exchange Group which placed respectively 3rd through 5th. Shanghai Stock Exchange, the second market for IPOs, raised USD 8.9 billion. TSX Group was second to Shenzhen Stock Exchange in the number of IPOs with 137 new companies listed between January- June 2010. .

Compared with first half of 2009, the CBOE replaced the International Securities Exchange as the leader in trading stock options, while BM&FBOVESPA placed second thanks to an 80% increase in volume. In stock index options, the National Stock Exchange of India took second place after Korea Exchange, with a 50% increase in volumes compared with the first half of 2009.

Recent evolution of domestic equity market capitalization by time zones in USD

 

source: WFE

 

To be a member, exchanges must adhere to the WFE Membership Criteria. Candidates are selected following a peer review. 

Membership in WFE is considered by some governments and national associations of asset managers as a criteria for preferential investment policy and taxation for these markets.

There are 6 Associates, 15 WFE Affiliates with separate professional relations, and 28 exchanges which are WFE Correspondents.