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. 

WFE exchanges are home

about 45,800 listed companies (as of December 2009), registering a slight drop for the first time since 2003. 

At the end of 2009:

  • The total market capitalization listed companies was approximately USD 46.5 trillion, a surge of 43% as compared to 2008.
  • Approximately USD 80.5 trillion in equities were traded on WFE stock exchanges, down from USD 113 trillion recorded in 2008, and a dropped for the first time in seven years.
  • More than 11 billion future and option contracts were transparently traded on-exchange, with proper post trade risk management and guarantees. 

 

Note: From 2003, data of several exchanges were updated, modifying somewhat the global trading value picture. From 2007, NASDAQ OMX and NYSE Euronext US changed their share value reporting to WFE. In consequence, data before and after 2007 are not comperable.

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.