What is Stock Market?
A stock exchange plays a crucial role in facilitating the buying and selling of financial securities/instruments between investors and traders. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) are the leading stock exchanges in the Indian market. These exchanges operate under the rules and regulations set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), an authoritative body dedicated to safeguarding investor interests and fostering the growth of the Indian stock market. Read on to learn more about the difference between NSE and BSE!
What is Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)?
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was established way back in 1875. Located on Dalal Street, Mumbai, it is the oldest stock exchange in Asia. There are more than 5,400 companies listed on the BSE. Its benchmark index, the S&P BSE Sensex, is widely tracked by investors across the globe. The Sensex (Sensitive Index) tracks the performance of 30 of the largest and most actively traded stocks on the BSE. As of 2020, BSE is the 10th largest exchange in the world in terms of the cumulative market capitalisation of all companies listed on its platform.
What is National Stock Exchange (NSE)?
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) was incorporated in 1992. It is also located in Mumbai. NSE is ranked the third-largest stock exchange globally in terms of the total number of trades in equity shares. There are more than 1,600 companies listed on the NSE. It is the first exchange in India to implement electronic or screen-based trading. The Nifty 50 is NSE’s benchmark index that represents the weighted average of 50 of the largest companies listed on its platform.
What are the Differences Between NSE and BSE?
Both NSE and BSE provide a platform for companies to raise funds efficiently. The exchanges allow investors to trade in equities, currencies, debt instruments, derivatives (F&O), and mutual funds. Moreover, they provide services such as risk management, clearing and settlement, and investor education.
| Basis of Difference | NSE | BSE |
| Brief | National Stock Exchange is the biggest stock exchange marketplace in India. They introduced the fully automated, electronic, and screen-based trading system in India. | BSE or Bombay Stock Exchange is the oldest and the first stock exchange, not just in India but in the whole of Asia. They offer high-speed trading for their customers. |
| Number of Companies Listed | NSE has nearly 2100 companies listed on it. | BSE has about 5300 companies listed on it. |
| Benchmark Indices | NSE’s benchmark index is the Nifty 50, which is based on the market capitalization of top 50 companies. | BSE’s benchmark index is the Sensex, which is calculated based on the market capitalization of 30 companies. |
| Derivates Contract | NSE has a higher market share in the derivatives market than BSE with a market share of about 94%. | BSE has a comparatively lower market share in derivatives with nearly 6%. |
| Liquidity | Of all the Indian stock markets, NSE has the greatest average daily turnover for equity shares. | Low liquidity in comparison to NSE. |
| Products Offered | Equity, Mutual Funds, Exchange-Traded Funds, Corporate Bonds, Initial Public Offering (IPO), Offer for Sale, and also Equity, Currency, and Commodity Derivatives. | Equity, Mutual Funds, Exchange-Traded Funds, Security Lending & Borrowing Schemes, Corporate Bonds, Initial Public Offering (IPO), Institutional Placement Program (IPP), Offer for Sale, and also Equity, Currency, and Commodity Derivatives. |
Which is better, NSE or BSE?
While we cannot state specifically which is better, the choice will ultimately depend on your investing and trading styles/preferences. NSE is the preferred exchange for intraday, swing, and derivatives trading due to high liquidity. If you are a long-term investor, it does not matter where you buy/sell shares. However, BSE gives access to more than 5,000 stocks across various sectors. There could be a minor difference in the prices of stocks in NSE and BSE. The costs related to investing and trading are similar for both exchanges.
In conclusion, the investor’s profile ultimately determines which stock exchange they choose among the NSE and BSE. The NSE may be preferred due to its bigger trading volume, cutting-edge technology, and wide range of product offerings, while the BSE offers advantages due to its historical relevance and several specialized markets. Investors should carefully choose which exchange best fits their profile by evaluating their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and specific needs.