Stock and Commodity Exchanges

Exchanges, whether they be commodities, bond, futures, or stock exchanges, are typically physical places where the trading of securities or other investment vehicles takes place. One notable exception is the Nasdaq stock market, an over the counter (OTC) market that has no physical location, but rather, operates via a system of databases, communications equipment, and finance specialists referred to as "market makers." The exchanges facilitate interaction among "floor traders," who work on commission for each trade they make or are paid a salary to execute the orders of their firm's brokers or desk traders. The most notable U.S exchanges are the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the American Stock Exchange. Below are links to information about stock exchanges and commodities exchanges.