The Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) is the primary securities exchange in Australia, located in Sydney. It facilitates the buying and selling of shares, bonds, and other financial instruments, allowing companies to raise capital and investors to trade assets. The ASX is one of the largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalization. Established in 1987, the ASX operates under strict regulations to ensure fair trading practices. It provides a platform for both domestic and international investors, contributing to the overall growth of the Australian economy. The exchange also offers various indices, including the S&P/ASX 200, which tracks the performance of the top 200 companies listed on the ASX.