Bombay Stock Exchange: Asia’s Oldest Stock Exchange

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is not just a stock market—it’s a legacy. Founded in 1875, it’s Asia’s oldest stock exchange, and one of the fastest in the world today. Located in the heart of Mumbai, BSE has played a monumental role in shaping India’s financial ecosystem, from pre-independence trading to today’s digital economy.

Let’s explore the journey, structure, and current updates of this iconic financial institution.

🏛️ A Legacy that Began Under a Tree

BSE’s journey started with a group of stockbrokers trading under a banyan tree near Mumbai’s Town Hall. In 1875, they formally established “The Native Share & Stock Brokers’ Association,” which would later become the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Today, it stands tall as Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers, a 29-storey iconic skyscraper at Dalal Street. The building is not only a landmark but a symbol of India’s financial aspirations.

📈 Sensex: The Pulse of Indian Economy

BSE introduced Sensex (Sensitive Index) in 1986. It consists of the top 30 listed companies across key sectors. Often called the heartbeat of Indian stock market, Sensex reflects market sentiment and economic shifts.

As of July 11, 2025, Sensex is trading around 82,500, down by nearly 0.83%, mainly due to weak global cues and IT sector drag. However, the long-term trend remains optimistic among analysts and investors.

⚙️ How BSE Works

• Trading Time: 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM (Mon-Fri)
• Segments: Equity, Derivatives, Debt, Mutual Funds, SME, etc.
• Order Types: Limit, Market, Stop Loss, IOC, GTC

To trade on BSE, investors need:

• A PAN card
• A Demat account
• A Trading account through a registered broker

BSE also offers a mobile app and web portal for easy access to stock performance, charts, IPOs, and corporate announcements.

🚀 Recent Developments & Market News

🔹 Jane Street Controversy

SEBI is investigating large bets made on Sensex options by global firm Jane Street, causing a significant shake-up. As a result, BSE Ltd shares fell nearly 16% this week, hitting investor confidence.

🔹 Regulatory Changes Coming

SEBI has announced that weekly derivatives on BSE will expire every Thursday starting September 2025, aligning with NSE expiry days. This will simplify trading and improve liquidity.

🔹 Bond Transparency

BSE, along with NSE, has issued new advisories for bond investors to improve disclosure and reporting via the Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs).

💹 BSE vs NSE – A Quick Snapshot

Both exchanges are vital to India’s financial stability, though BSE leads in listing numbers, while NSE often dominates in trading volume.

📲 BSE Tools for Retail Investors

• BSE India App: Real-time updates, portfolio watch, IPO tracking
• BSE STAR MF: Simplified mutual fund platform
• BSE SME: Platform for small & medium enterprise listings
• Investor Education Programs: Online resources & webinars

Whether you’re a new investor or an experienced trader, BSE provides tools that cater to everyone.

🔚 Conclusion: BSE in the New Era

The Bombay Stock Exchange continues to evolve with changing market dynamics, technology, and regulations. Despite occasional turbulence like recent SEBI probes, BSE remains a reliable and robust marketplace for investors worldwide.

As India pushes toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, platforms like BSE will play a pivotal role in democratizing investment and accelerating financial inclusion.