The stock trading history can be traced to 1606 where the first breed of vigilant traders had wanted to cash in on the boom of the Indian spice trade that was taking place at the time. A Dutch company that was later buried in debt was first known to trade stocks. Boasting to have the oldest stock trading certificate, this company set the way for the development of the trade in the world. Over the years, people have become more aware what stocks are all about and millions have invested and continue to invest owing to different reasons. However, a huge chunk of people even today remain sceptic or unaware about stock trading.

The main reason why people have bought stocks in good companies is the hope for a good return that would be worth the investment. Many profitable companies that offer goods and services have kept the promise alive to earn stakeholders some profit and this is the very essence of stock trading since it started. In the early days of stock trading, the big businesses included trade of spices as mentioned as well as the shipping industry which was one of the key earners in the economies of the past. Netherlands and Portugal were the key countries that developed stock trading as their maritime ventures became robust hubs for trading.

England, Spain and France were other nations that played a major part in the development of the stock trading industry or model. As the Royal British Navy took over all power in the region, the control of commerce was under it and it was in the 18th century where the trade developed and became a model that could be observed. Later, the British took this system to America when they conquered the vast lands to create United States and there was no turning back for the stock trading model. It was in this land of greatness that many business ventures were established and over the years stock trading grew.

As the government was formed in the new United States, Alexander Hamilton became the first secretary of treasury and through his study of the British stock trading methods; he made deliberate actions to encourage the growth of the stock markets. Due to his deliberate directives to develop the stock trading in America, Hamilton is greatly honoured in this sector and Wall Street which is the heart of American stock trading has put up a statue in his honour with this regard. Hamilton is one of the many who is credited to shaping the course of stock trading not just in America but around the world.