The Australian Securities Exchange
ASX
The Australian Securities Exchange is Australia's primary securities exchange. It is owned by the Australian Securities Exchange Ltd, or ASX Limited, an Australian public company. Prior to December 2006 it was known as the Australian Stock Exchange, which was formed on 1 April 19…
How to invest in Australian stocks?
You could consider investing in Australian penny stocks if:
- You have a high risk tolerance
- You're an experienced investor
- You're willing to cut your losses if the share price falls significantly
- You have a long investment time frame and are willing to ride out the volatility
- You're happy to take a bit of a "gamble"
Does Australia have a stock market?
The Australian stock exchange limited was formed on 1st April 1987 by the legislation of the Australian Parliament which enabled the amalgamation of six independent stock exchanges that previously operated in the state capital cities and its merging with the Sydney Futures Exchange in 2006.
What is the exchange rate between US and Australia?
US Dollar to Australian Dollar (USD to AUD) $1.00 US Dollar. =. A$1.36 Australian Dollars. $2.00 US Dollars. =. A$2.72 Australian Dollars. $3.00 US Dollars. =.
When does Australia market open?
When is the Australia Stock Exchange open for trading? The Australia Stock Exchange is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (GMT+11:00). Does the Australia Stock Exchange close for Lunch? No, the Australia Stock Exchange does not close for lunch.

What is the main role of a stock exchange?
A stock exchange helps companies raise capital or money by issuing equity shares to be sold to investors. The companies invest those funds back into their business, and investors, ideally, earn a profit from their investment in those companies.
How does the ASX make money?
Companies list on a stock exchange, such as the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), to raise money by selling shares to investors who then have the chance to make a profit if the company does well. It is important to remember that shares can also decrease in value.
Who owns the ASX?
ASX LimitedAustralian Securities ExchangeTypeStock exchange, Futures exchange, Clearing HouseOwnerASX Limited ASX: ASXCurrencyAustralian dollarNo. of listings2,194 (July 2014)Market capA$1.6 trillion (May 2014)4 more rows
How does the ASX help the economy?
ASX is at the centre of the globally attractive, deep and liquid Australian financial markets, helping companies grow and investors build wealth. As an integrated exchange, ASX offers listings, trade execution, technology, data and post-trade services.
When was the Australian Securities Exchange established?
History of the Australian Securities Exchange. In 1871, the Sydney Stock Exchange was established and continued to operate only until it was merged with other state-based exchanges to form the Australian Stock Exchange in 1987. In 1937, the Australian Associated Stock Exchange was established and would become the predecessor to the ASX.
When did the Sydney Futures Exchange merge with the Australian Stock Exchange?
Later, in 2006, the Sydney Futures Exchange merged with the Australian Stock Exchange to form the Australian Securities Exchange. In 2012, the Australian Liquidity Centre was formed and was made to house the Australian Securities Exchange core trade executions.
What time does ASX trade 24?
The normal trading times for the Australian Securities Exchange are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the market is open on weekdays.
What is ASX trading system?
ASX’s Trading Systems. ASX Trade and ASX Trade24 are the two trading platforms for the Australian Securities Exchange. 1. ASX Trade. ASX Trade is used for the trading of equity securities in the Australian Securities Exchange, and the ASX Trade24 is used for the trading of derivative securities.
What is the ASX market?
The following are some of the markets that the ASX operates in: The Australian Securities Exchange bond market is the third-biggest in Asia. It is also the eighth-largest equity market in the world, with a total market capitalization of $2 trillion.
What is the ASX?
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is one of the world’s leading financial market exchanges based in Sydney, Australia. As a fully functioning securities exchange, the ASX provides a number of services, such as listings, trading, clearing, settlements, technical and information services, and post-trade services.
When did the ASX and Sydney Futures Exchange merge?
In 2006, the Sydney Futures Exchange and the Australian Stock Exchange merged to form the Australian Securities Exchange. The ASX is ranked fifth by the World Economic Forum in financial systems and capital markets.
What Is the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)?
1 The ASX acts as a market operator, clearing house, and payments facilitator. It also provides educational materials to retail investors. 2
What is ASX trading?
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and Electronic Trading. As with the majority of international exchanges, ASX’s relies on a hefty data center to help connect it to leading financial hubs and facilitate electronic trading.
What is the ASX education?
ASX and Education. The Australian Securities Exchange has a strong emphasis on educating visitors to its website, the investing public, and current and potential listers. For example, for first-time investors, ASX offers free resources for understanding the public markets, exploring different asset classes, and developing a personal investment ...
Why is the ASX a data center?
As with the majority of international exchanges, ASX’s relies on a hefty data center to help connect it to leading financial hubs and facilitate electronic trading. Electronic trading gained strong traction with NYSE’s 2005 acquisition of rival market the Archipelago Exchange—a fully electronic exchange that listed new and fast-growing companies. NYSE Arca was the new name following the acquisition. Cybersecurity is an increasing concern as exchanges become more interconnected via the internet.
What is the ASX?
The ASX acts as a market operator, clearing house, and payments facilitator.
How many employees does the ASX have?
ASX has a combined 150 years of exchange experience. In 2018 it had a team of 530 employees, along with 6.7 million shareowners, 180 participants, and nearly 2,200 listed companies and issuers.
When was the Australian stock exchange founded?
The Australian Stock Exchange was founded on 1 April 1987, incorporated under legislation of the Australian Parliament as an amalgamation of the six state securities exchanges. It merged with the Sydney Futures Exchange in 2006 to become The Australian Securities Exchange.
Who owns the Australian Securities Exchange?
The Australian Securities Exchange is Australia's primary securities exchange. It is owned and operated by ASX Limited , with the exchange also commonly referred to as the ASX. While the exchange and the operating companies are separate, they are often considered synonymous due to the complex interrelated nature.
What was the trading system called in the 1960s?
In the 1960s, this changed to a post system . Exchange employees called "chalkies" wrote bids and offers in chalk on blackboards continually and recorded transactions made.
What is the ASX blockchain?
In 2017, the ASX announced that it would become the first stock exchange in the world to build an infrastructure around blockchain technology. This would replace the existing clearinghouse infrastructure known as CHESS ( Clearing House Electronic Subregister System ), in order to create better system reliability, efficiency, and security. On 27 April 2018, a consultation paper was released by ASX that detailed the new system's targeted ‘Day 1’ functional requirements, non-technical business requirements, blockchain architecture, connectivity options, and implementation plan for the years leading up to the switchover date.
What is ASX share market game?
ASX sharemarket games give members of the public and secondary school students the chance to learn about investing in the sharemarket using real market prices. Participants receive a hypothetical $50,000 to buy and sell shares in 150 companies and track the progress of their investments over the duration of the game.
What is the ASX interest rate market?
The ASX interest rate market is the set of corporate bonds, floating rate notes, and bond-like preference shares listed on the exchange. These securities are traded and settled in the same way as ordinary shares, but the ASX provides information such as their maturity, effective interest rate, etc., to aid comparison.
What is ASX trading?
ASX Trade is a NASDAQ OMX ultra-low latency trading platform based on NASDAQ OMX's Genium INET system, which is used by many exchanges around the world. It is one of the fastest and most functional multi-asset trading platforms in the world, delivering latency down to ~250 microseconds.
What is an ASX trade?
The ASX is an electronic exchange, with trades occurring through a digital platform. Orders from investors to buy or sell are entered in the ASX Trade system, which matches buy and sell orders to complete trades. Only brokers that are members of the exchange can conduct trades on the ASX.
What is the oldest Australian stock index?
Investors can choose from a number of indicestied to prices of various securities listed on the ASX. The oldest index of Australian shares is the All Ordinaries index . It consists of share prices for the 500 largest companies listed on the ASX. The S&P/ASX 200 is a market cap-weight index of large ASX stocks.
What is the oldest index of Australian shares?
The oldest index of Australian shares is the All Ordinaries index. It consists of share prices for the 500 largest companies listed on the ASX. The S&P/ASX 200 is a market cap-weight index of large ASX stocks.
How much capital do you need to list on the ASX?
Alternatively, companies seeking a listing on the ASX can meet the asset test, which calls for at least $4 million (AUD) in net tangible assets or $15 million (AUD) market capitalization.
What are the requirements to be listed on the ASX?
ASX Listing Requirements. The minimum criteria for being listed on the ASX include standards for free float, number of shareholders and size. Listed companies must have at least 20% of the shares free floating, and a minimum of 300 non-affiliated shareholders who have invested at least $2,000 (AUD) each. With regard to financial standards, listed ...
How many hours ahead of Hong Kong time is the ASX?
Special ASX Considerations. Local time in Sydney is 15 hours ahead of New York time, seven hours ahead of London time and three hours ahead of Hong Kong time. This makes the ASX the first one of the world’s major exchanges to open for normal trading on each business day.
When did the ASX start?
The history dates back to 1871 when the Sydney Stock Exchange began operations. In 1987, the still-active Sydney exchange and five other state exchanges merged to form the Australian Stock Exchange. In 2006, the Australian Stock Exchange merged with the Sydney Futures Exchange to form the ASX Group.
What happens to stock after hours?
There is limited liquidity during extended hours which can cause increased volatility, larger spreads and greater price uncertainty. Earnings reports and other significant news are typically announced after regular trading hours end. This can lead to major price swings in after-hours markets.
What time is post trading session?
The Post-Trading Session is from 4:12pm to 4:42pm and 4:42pm to 6:50pm. Shares can always be traded on the Australia Stock Exchange during regular trading hours (listed above). Extended Trading Hours are sessions before and after the official trading session during which trading can be conducted electronically.
Why is it important to have a shorter trading session?
Smaller markets tend to be open for short periods. A shorter trading session compresses all trading activity into a smaller time period which leads to increased liquidity, smaller spreads, and more efficient markets. Shorter trading sessions can also lead to less volatility.
What happens to material news during trading hours?
Material news during trading hours can result in price volatility. With a smaller trading period, more news will happen outside regular trading hours which gives investors more time to digest information and can prevent rushed trading decisions.
Do markets close for lunch?
Many markets in Asia and a few markets in the Middle East close for lunch. Markets in most of the rest of the world do not close for lunch. Our market countdown and the TradingHours.com API both take lunch breaks into account.
Why invest in shares on the ASX?
We can consider three factors as informing people’s decision to invest in shares. The first is capital growth.
How does buying shares help a company?
Put differently, why would a company want to issue shares to the public? Going public or initiating a capital raising lets a business raise money without tapping the debt market. The business can then allocate the raised capital to expanding its operations or paying for new equipment.
How do I start buying shares?
It may seem obvious, but to buy shares you need someone on the other side of the trade willing to sell you shares.
What does the market look like when I buy or sell shares?
One of the hardest things to wrap your head around when first buying shares is understanding what the market actually looks like. The table below is the ASX’s own example of what you would typically see on a broker’s website when wishing to place a buy order.
What does buying shares on margin mean?
Buying shares on margin is a way of borrowing money from your broker to buy more ASX stocks than you could afford had you only used the capital at your disposal. To trade on margin requires a margin account, which is different from a regular cash account. It’s not generally recommended for beginners because it can be risky and expensive.
How many shares should I buy?
Generally, it’s suggested that you shouldn’t allocate any more than 5% of your portfolio to any one stock. If you allocate 5% of your portfolio to each stock, you’ll have 20 positions. For larger account balances, you could be aiming for 30–35 stocks in your portfolio, which means on average you’re looking at around 3% per stock.
Are stocks and shares the same thing?
Shares and stocks are often used interchangeably to refer to the same asset class designating a stake in a business.

Types of ASX Markets
- The Australian Securities Exchange operates in many markets. Also, it oversees financial compliancein the ASX markets and promotes corporate governance. The following are some of the markets that the ASX operates in: 1. Bond market 2. Derivatives market 3. Equity market 4. Financial development 5. Foreign exchange market 6. Funds management The Aus...
History of The Australian Securities Exchange
- In 1871, the Sydney Stock Exchange was established and continued to operate only until it was merged with other state-based exchanges to form the Australian Stock Exchange in 1987. In 1937, the Australian Associated Stock Exchange was established and would become the predecessor to the ASX. In 1942, Australian markets were controlled by the Australian Governm…
ASX Careers
- The Australian Securities Exchange offers a wide range of careers throughout a spectrum of specializations – most of which are located in Sydney, Australia. Some of the careers the ASX offers include compliance advisors, data engineers, marketing managers, and network engineers. The exchange prides itself on being an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Additional Resources
- CFI is the official provider of the Commercial Banking & Credit Analyst (CBCA)™certification program, designed to transform anyone into a world-class financial analyst. In order to help you become a world-class financial analyst and advance your career to your fullest potential, these additional resources will be very helpful: 1. New York Stock Exchange 2. Capital Markets 3. Vanc…
What Is The Australian Securities Exchange (Asx)?
Understanding The Australian Securities Exchange
- ASX is consistently ranked among the top exchanges globally. Other major exchanges include the Tokyo Stock Exchange or TSE, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Nasdaq, and the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Each exchange has specific listing requirements that include regular financial reports and minimum capital requirements. For example, in 2021, the NYSE has a key li…
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and Electronic Trading
- As with the majority of international exchanges, ASX’s relies on a hefty data center to help connect it to leading financial hubs and facilitate electronic trading. Electronic trading gained strong traction with NYSE’s 2005 acquisition of rival market the Archipelago Exchange—a fully electronic exchange that listed new and fast-growing companies. NYSE Arcawas the new name …
ASX and Education
- The Australian Securities Exchange has a strong emphasis on educating visitors to its website, the investing public, and current and potential listers. For example, for first-time investors, ASX offers free resources for understanding the public markets, exploring different asset classes, and developing a personal investment strategy. Visitors can download a series of tutorials and guide…
Summary
Australian Securities Exchange Ltd or ASX, is an Australian public company that operates Australia's primary securities exchange, the Australian Securities Exchange (sometimes referred to outside of Australia as, or confused within Australia as, The Sydney Stock Exchange, a separate entity). The ASX was formed on 1 April 1987, through incorporation under legislation of the Australian Parliament as an amalgamation of the six state securities exchanges, and merged wit…
Overview
ASX Group is a market operator, clearing house and payments system facilitator. It also oversees compliance with its operating rules, promotes standards of corporate governance among Australia's listed companies and helps to educate retail investors.
Australia's capital markets
History
The origins of the ASX date back to the mid-1800s when six separate exchanges were established in Australia's state capital cities of Melbourne, Victoria, (1861), Sydney, New South Wales (1871), Hobart, Tasmania (1882), Brisbane, Queensland (1884), Adelaide, South Australia (1887) and Perth, Western Australia (1889). A further exchange in Launceston, Tasmania, merged into the Hobart exchange.
Trading systems
ASX Group has two trading platforms – ASX Trade, which facilitates the trading of ASX equity securities and ASX Trade24 for derivative securities trading.
All ASX equity securities are traded on screen on ASX Trade. ASX Trade is a NASDAQ OMX ultra-low latency trading platform based on NASDAQ OMX's Genium INET system, which is used by many exchanges around the world. It is one of the fastest and most functional multi-asset tradin…
Settlement
Security holders hold shares in one of two forms, both of which operate as uncertificated holdings, rather than through the issue of physical share certificates:
• Clearing House Electronic Sub-register System (CHESS). The investor's controlling participant (normally a broker) sponsors the client into CHESS. The security holder is given a "holder identification number" (HIN) and monthly statements are sent to the security holder from the CH…
Short selling
Short selling of shares is permitted on the ASX, but only among designated stocks and with certain conditions:
• ASX trading participants (brokers) must report all daily gross short sales to ASX. The report will aggregate the gross short sales as reported by each trading participant at an individual stock level.
Options
Options on leading shares are traded on the ASX, with standardised sets of strike prices and expiry dates. Liquidity is provided by market makers who are required to provide quotes. Each market maker is assigned two or more stocks. A stock can have more than one market maker, and they compete with one another. A market maker may choose one or both of:
• Make a market continuously, on a set of 18 options.
Interest rate market
The ASX interest rate market is the set of corporate bonds, floating rate notes, and bond-like preference shares listed on the exchange. These securities are traded and settled in the same way as ordinary shares, but the ASX provides information such as their maturity, effective interest rate, etc., to aid comparison.