The ASX, or Australian Securities Exchange, is the primary stock exchange in Australia. It is headquartered in Sydney and is owned by the Australian Securities Exchange Limited (ASX Limited), a public company that is listed on the ASX itself.
The ASX was formed in 1987 through the merger of the Australian Stock Exchange and the Sydney Futures Exchange. It is now one of the largest stock exchanges in the Asia-Pacific region, with a market capitalization of over AUD 2.8 trillion.
The ASX offers a range of services and products, including listings, trading, and market data, as well as clearing and settlement facilities. It is home to over 2,200 companies, which are listed on the exchange and traded by investors. The ASX is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which is responsible for overseeing the operations of the exchange and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
In addition to its primary role as a stock exchange, the ASX also operates a number of other marketplaces, including the ASX 24, which is a market for futures and options, and the ASX Bond Market, which is a market for fixed-income securities. It also offers a range of other services, such as listings and issuer services, market data and analytics, and post-trade services.