Swiss Stock Exchange

About the Swiss Stock Exchange

The principal stock exchange of Switzerland, located in Zurich, is the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX; formerly SWX Swiss Exchange). The Swiss stock exchange is the 15th largest exchange by market capitalization, having a market cap of US $1.06 trillion beginning in 2011. The Swiss exchange was the first exchange in the world to utilize a fully automated trading, clearing and settlement system starting in 1995, replacing the previous floor trading system that had been in use since around 1850. It’s managed by 55 banks, each one in the association entitled to an equal vote.

The Swiss exchange trades stocks, bonds, options and derivatives, as well as Swiss government bonds. The SIX co-owns the Eurex, the world’s largest derivatives and futures exchange with the larger German exchange, Deutsche Borse. Surprisingly, however in July 2004, the Swiss exchange rejected Deutsche Borse’s attempt at a merger, despite analysts believing it would increase profits for small businesses in the exchange’s index. In 2006, the Swiss exchange had a record turnover rate, reaching 49% higher on derivative trading turnovers and experiencing a 25.5% increase in turnovers on international bonds. From 2007 onward, the Swiss exchange implemented new rules which were intended to benefit issuers, traders and all other stock exchange participants and increase efficiency during trades.

Swiss Stock Exchange Hours

The Swiss exchange has normal trading sessions from 9:00-17:00 CET on all weekdays; it does not operate on Saturdays and Sundays or certain holidays.

Swiss Stock Exchange Holidays

The Swiss Exchange observes several national holidays, during which it does not operate. The list of these holidays along with the dates that they fall on is below:

Good Friday- April 22nd
Easter Monday- April 25th
Ascension Day- June 2nd
Whitmonday- June 13th