Markets have been in existed for as long as commerce and trade has. Some claim the modern stock exchange traces its roots back to the Amsterdam Stock Exchange as it was at the outset of the 17th century. Many of the trading instruments used today, including short selling, options, swaps, unit trusts, and others were created by the Dutch exchanges.

Modern stock markets are centralized markets where investors and companies gather to engage in investing activities. Stock markets can be physical locations, like the NYSE, or electronic systems, like the NASDAQ. Stock markets enforce their own requirements, such as capital and listing prerequisites, in addition to regulatory constraints enacted by outside agencies.

Why Was The Stock Market Started? - Article By Better Trades