BANKRUPTCY ASSISTANCE

Stock Market Timeline How Much Do You Know

How much do you know about the history of the stock market? This stock market timeline can help you understand a bit about where the stock market comes from, where it is, and where it might be going, which is always a good idea to know whenever you are considering investing your hard-earned dollars in anything.

In 1685, planners laid out the area now known as Wall Street; it was erected along a wooden stockade or Barrier that was built to protect people (Dutch) from warring enemies. A hundred or so years later, the Revolutionary War happens and ends, which leads to the next major milestone in the NYSE.

In 1790, all the debt incurred because of the Revolution gets refinanced by the government.

In 1792, two bank stocks and three government bonds are traded in New York City. Yes, you read that right. Five securities. A group of pioneering and important men gather on Wall Street and make plans to start selling securities for commission. They sign the Buttonwood Agreement.

IN 1817, the New York Stock & Exchange Board (NYS&EB) is created.

Around 1830, it becomes evident that the major trading in the Exchange is railroad stocks. They are traded heavily throughout the 1800s. Soon after, the NYS&EB) burns down in a huge fire and the company is housed elsewhere.

Just a year after the fire in 1836, new rules are passed and now members are denied the right to trade in the streets.

In 1844, the “pre-computer,” a.k.a. the telegraph is born; this may seem unrelated, but just imagine. UP until that point, if you wanted to trade securities, you had to be right there in NewYork. But the telegraph allows investors to buy and sell from far away.

In 1861, the Civil War begins, and the NYS & EB stops allowing securities trading in any of the states that are attempting to secede from the Union.

In 1863, the NYS &EB changes its name to the New York Stock Exchange – what we currently know as the NYSE.

In 1867, the first stock ticker is created, and now people from all over the place can see the activity and performance of stocks, as well as the current prices.

In 1869, a lot of changes take place. Selling shares of stock secretly gets banned; the Exchange demands that all companies should be registered at a bank or other reliable institution. The first “Black Friday” occurs when the NYSE bottoms out due to the interest in gold.

In 1878, the NYSE gets its first telephone on the floor. Can you imagine what those folks would think of today’s trading floor?

In 1903, the NYSE moves to its current location – which is not actually Wall Street. They are at 18 Broad Street.

In 1913, the Federal Reserve is created in an attempt to bring stability and structure to the economy, securities trading, and banking.

In 1929, the market experiences “Black Thursday” and totally crashes within a week. The US enters the period known as The Great Depression.

IN 1934, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is established.

And of course the stock market timeline continues on through today, with it's ups and downs, with fortunes being made and lost.