Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX): What it is, How it Works (2024)

What is the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)?

The term Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) refers to a Canadian stock exchange located in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1861, the TSX is Canada's premier stock exchange with more than 1,500 listed companies, including those from the energy, mining, technology, and real estate sectors. The exchange is also home to international listings and exchange-traded products. It became fully electronic after closing its trading floor in 1997. In 2007, the TSX merged with the Montreal Exchange (MX) to form the TMX Group.

Key Takeaways

  • The Toronto Stock Exchange is the largest exchange in Canada.
  • The exchange is fully electronic with more than 1,500 companies listed.
  • All transactions are conducted in Canadian dollars.
  • The TSX is owned by TMX Group, which also owns the Montreal Exchange, the TSX Venture Exchange, and theCanadian Derivates Clearing Corporation.

Understanding the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)

The Toronto Stock Exchange is one of the largest stock exchanges in the world and is the third-largest in North America after the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq. The exchange's history dates back to the mid-1800s. It was established in 1861 and was officially incorporated in 1878 under the name Toronto Stock Exchange or TSE. It became known as the TSX after the company was rebranded in 2002.

The exchange operates Monday to Friday, except for statutory holidays. The market opens with regular trading activity taking place between 9:30 a.m. ET and 4:00 p.m. ET. Trading orders may be entered but not executed during the pre-open between 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. ET.

As noted above, the exchange eliminated its trading floor in 1997. Trades on the TSX became electronic, similar to the Nasdaq in the United States. Traded instruments include shares in companies, investment trusts, and exchange-traded products (ETPs). Other financial instruments such as bonds, commodities, futures, options, and other derivative products are also actively traded. All transactions are executed in the Canadian dollar. According to the 2020 Guide to Listing, there were 1,572 listed issuers on the exchange.

The exchange launched the TSE 300 Composite Index in 1977, which was similar to the S&P 500. Composed of the most influential stocks on the exchange, the name of the index was changed to the S&P/TSX Composite Index in 2002. The index is rebalanced on a quarterly basis in March, June, September, and December.

Interested in investing in Canadian companies? Try purchasing American depositary receipts (ADRs), which are available for larger Canadian corporations.

Special Considerations

In 1999, the TSX became Canada's only exchange for senior equities. Two years later, it acquired the TSX Venture Exchange, which primarily lists small-cap stocks. As noted above, the exchange is now operated by the TMX Group, a result of the merger between the TSX and the MX. In addition to the TSX, the MX, and the TSX Venture Exchange, the group also operates the TSX Alpha Exchange, Shorcan, which specializes in fixed-income products in Canada, and the Canadian Derivates Clearing Corporation (CDCC). The CDCC facilitates the clearing of Canadian exchange-traded derivative products and other financial instruments.

The TSX and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) explored the opportunity for a merger. The deal fell through in 2011 after it failed to receive the required two-thirds majority of votes from shareholders. TMX proposed the merger to avoid a takeover by Maple Group Acquisition Corporation, a consortium of Canadian investors including the Canadian Plan Investment Board, Scotia Capital, and TD Securities. The TMX Group agreed to the Maple Group takeover, which was completed in 2012.

Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX): What it is, How it Works (2024)

FAQs

How does the Toronto Stock Exchange work? ›

The TSX works like other stock exchanges: every day, investors trade TSX stocks, causing the prices of those stocks to fluctuate relative to investor demand. For investors, trading on the TSX usually starts with a broker. Once you've opened a brokerage account, you'll typically find the full range of TSX stocks.

How does the TSX index work? ›

The S&P/TSX Composite Index is a capitalization-weighted equity index that tracks the performance of the largest companies listed on Canada's primary stock exchange, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). It is the equivalent of the S&P 500 index in the United States, and as such is closely monitored by Canadian investors.

How does the stock market work in Canada? ›

The stock market works by allowing buyers and sellers to trade stocks listed on a particular exchange, mostly online and through licensed brokers. Although some physical stock exchanges like the NYSE still exist, most markets operate and trade online, aided by computer automation.

What is TSX known for? ›

Toronto Stock Exchange TSX is recognized as a premier international stock exchange known for its standards of fairness and its innovative approach to trading. TSX is the right choice for companies with a solid track record of business management and operation.

How does the stock exchange work? ›

Companies list shares of their stock on an exchange through a process called an initial public offering, or IPO. Investors purchase those shares, which allows the company to raise money to grow its business. Investors can then buy and sell these stocks among themselves.

What is a stock and how does it work? ›

A stock represents a share in the ownership of a company, including a claim on the company's earnings and assets. As such, stockholders are partial owners of the company. Fractional shares of stock also represent ownership of a company, but at a size smaller than a full share of common stock.

What does TSX mean? ›

The term Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) refers to a Canadian stock exchange located in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1861, the TSX is Canada's premier stock exchange with more than 1,500 listed companies, including those from the energy, mining, technology, and real estate sectors.

What do TSX points mean? ›

Index points refer to the level of an index. For example, if the S&P/TSX 60 is trading at 900, it is said to have a level of 900 points. Dividend points specifically refer to the level of index points that are directly attributable to the dividends of index constituents.

How is TSX calculated? ›

The new methodology uses a time weighted average price (“TWAP”) calculation over the last 10 minutes of trading to determine the TSX Last Bid, the TSX Last Ask, and, in the absence of a trade during those last 10 minutes of trading, the TSX Closing Price.

How does tax work on stocks in Canada? ›

Instead, you pay additional income tax on part of the gains that you make. In Canada, 50% of the value of any capital gains are taxable. Should you sell an investment or asset at a higher price than you paid (realized capital gain), you'll need to add 50% of that capital gain to your income.

How do stocks work for dummies? ›

You're not buying a stock; you're buying part of a company. The primary reason you invest in a stock is because the company is making a profit and you want to participate in its long-term success. If you buy a stock when the company isn't making a profit, you're not investing — you're speculating.

How does the stock market work for beginners? ›

Stocks represent shares of ownership in a company, and are listed for sale on a specific exchange. Exchanges track the supply and demand — and directly related, the price — of each stock. They also bring buyers and sellers together and act as a market for the shares of those companies.

What is TSX used for? ›

tsx files is their support for JSX syntax. . tsx files are designed to include JSX code, which allows embedding HTML-like syntax directly within TypeScript code. This feature is handy when working with React components, as it enables a more natural, declarative style for defining UI components.

Can Americans buy on the TSX? ›

Can a U.S. citizen buy stocks listed on Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV)? Yes. As a U.S. investor, how do I trade stocks listed on TSX and TSXV? These platforms allow U.S. retail investors to trade nearly all TSX- and TSXV-listed issuers.

Is TSX trading now? ›

Trading hours and holidays

The Toronto Stock Exchange trading hours are from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm (Eastern Time), Monday to Friday, except for the holidays listed below.

Can US citizens buy on the Toronto Stock Exchange? ›

Can a U.S. citizen buy stocks listed on Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV)? Yes. As a U.S. investor, how do I trade stocks listed on TSX and TSXV? These platforms allow U.S. retail investors to trade nearly all TSX- and TSXV-listed issuers.

How do I buy shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange? ›

Any domestic U.S. brokerage can help clients trade securities of companies listed on both TSX and U.S. exchanges. Many U.S. brokerages also enable U.S. investors to directly buy and sell securities listed on the TSX, even if they are not listed on U.S. exchanges.

How do I get listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange? ›

To apply, companies must submit a TSX listing application and supporting documents such as the Personal Information Form. Resource companies must also submit geological reports in compliance with regulatory guidelines, as prepared by an independent and qualified third-party.

What is the minimum listing requirements for the Toronto Stock Exchange? ›

TSX – Industrial & Technology Companies Listing Requirements
RequirementsProfitable CompaniesTechnology Companies
Minimum Free Trading Public Float1,000,0001,000,000
Value of Free Trading Public FloatC$4,000,000C$10,000,000
Market value of Issued Securities to be ListedN/AC$50,000,000
Minimum Cash in TreasuryN/AC$10,000,000
7 more rows
Sep 25, 2023

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