NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE: The largest stock market in the United States, located on the famous Wall Street in New York City. This is the big daddy of all stock markets in the country, often referred to as the "big board." It was begun in the 1790s to help fledgling corporations in our fledgling country raise the funds needed for capital investment. All stock transactions (millions each day) are conducted by its members, making membership a very valuable commodity. It currently has slightly over a 1,000 members or "seats," with the only way to get a seat on the exchange from a retiring or deceased member. See also | stock market | corporate stock | financial markets | Dow Jones averages | American Stock Exchange | National Association of Securities Dealers |
