Apr 17, 10:18 AM

Bombay Stock Exchange Marks 150 Years With 1.5% Rally, FM Nirmala Sitharaman Highlights Inclusive Market Vision

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Asia's oldest stock exchange, celebrated its 150th anniversary on April 17, 2025. Founded in 1875 as the Native Share & Stock Brokers Association, BSE has evolved from trading under a banyan tree in Mumbai to becoming a technology-driven market and a key driver of India's economic development. The exchange marked the milestone with a market rally, as the BSE index rose over 1.5% ahead of the celebrations. The event featured reflections on BSE's historical milestones, including its listing on the National Stock Exchange in 2017 and notable market movements such as the pre-Independence rally triggered by the 1946 budget. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the celebrations, emphasizing India's vision for capital markets that are inclusive, accessible, resilient, and globally integrated. She highlighted the government's commitment to navigating global disruptions through policy agility and long-term investments, aiming to deepen and diversify India's capital markets to serve a broad range of participants including MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and rural investors.