History of Shanghai Stock Exchange in Timeline

The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), located in Shanghai, China, is among the three independently operating stock exchanges in mainland China. As of July 2024, it ranks as the world's third-largest stock market by market capitalization, exceeding $6 trillion, and is Asia's largest. A key distinction from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is that the SSE isn't fully accessible to foreign investors. It is also notably influenced by the Chinese central government's decisions due to capital account controls imposed by mainland authorities.

1904: Shanghai Stock Exchange Renamed

In 1904, the Shanghai Sharebrokers' Association applied for registration in Hong Kong and was renamed the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

1920: Shanghai Securities & Commodities Exchange Started Operation

In 1920, the Shanghai Securities & Commodities Exchange started operation.

1921: Shanghai Chinese Merchant Exchange Started Operation

In 1921, the Shanghai Chinese Merchant Exchange started operation.

1929: Amalgamation of Exchanges

In 1929, Shanghai Securities & Commodities Exchange and Shanghai Chinese Merchant Exchange were combined and operated as the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

1940: Domination of Industrial Shares

By 1940, shipping, insurance, and docks were overshadowed by industrial shares after the Treaty of Shimonoseki of 1895.

December 8, 1941: Halt of Operations

On December 8, 1941, the operation of the Shanghai Stock Exchange came to an abrupt halt after Japanese troops occupied the Shanghai International Settlement.

1946: Resumption of Operations

In 1946, the Shanghai Stock Exchange resumed its operations.

1949: Closure After Communist Revolution

In 1949, the Shanghai Stock Exchange closed again after the Communist revolution.

1978: China Re-opened to the World

In 1978, after the Cultural Revolution ended and Deng Xiaoping rose to power, China was re-opened to the outside world.

November 1990: Shanghai Stock Exchange Re-established

In November 1990, the Shanghai Stock Exchange was re-established.

November 26, 1990: Shanghai Stock Exchange Re-establishment

On November 26, 1990, the current Shanghai Stock Exchange was re-established.

December 19, 1990: Base Day for SSE Composite Index

December 19, 1990 is the Base Day for the SSE Composite Index, with a Base Value of 100.

July 15, 1991: Launch of SSE Composite Index

The SSE Composite Index was launched on July 15, 1991.

1997: Central Government Control

In 1997, the central government brought the Shanghai Stock Exchange under central government control.

1997: SSE Housed at Shanghai Securities Exchange Building

Since 1997, the SSE has been housed at the Shanghai Securities Exchange Building.

2001: Domestic Investors Allowed in B Shares

Since 2001, domestic investors were allowed to invest in B shares.

December 2002: Foreign Investors Allowed in A Shares (with limitations)

In December 2002, reforms allowed foreign investors to trade in A shares under the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) program (with limitations).