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NYSE Euronext commemorates the start of share trading in Amsterdam by opening the exchange to the public on Visitor's Day.
Members of the public are invited to have a look behind the scenes at the most famous financial address in the Netherlands, Beursplein 5 in Amsterdam.
A visitor's route has been set out which emphasizes the unique character of the building and the long and rich history of the stock exchange. Visitors will be able to see one of the current trading floors, and an extensive exhibition and a film will provide information about the history and development of commerce and share trading throughout history.
The founding of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) on 20 March 1602 marked the worldwide start of share trading. The VOC was the first company to give private citizens the opportunity to participate in its capital, and the documents recording their participation are thought to be the oldest shares in the world. The Amsterdam stock exchange owns one of the few remaining copies of this very rare document, which is seldom seen by the public. This VOC share will also be on display during Visitor's Day.
For the opening and closing bell special guests will visit NYSE Euronext in Amsterdam. Friday morning the president of the Dutch Central Bank, Nout Wellink, will sound the gong to open the markets. In the afternoon Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (1547-1619), founder of the VOC, will close the trading day.
For more information on the Dutch Central Bank, see www.dnb.nl
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