Reply #5: World's biggest stock exchange goes public in growth quest

[ozymandius]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Founded by some traders under a tree on Wall Street two centuries ago, the world's biggest stock exchange enters a new growth phase this week as it goes public, building a war chest to expand globally and add assets.

The New York Stock Exchange ends 213 years as a member-owned exchange on Tuesday when it seals its purchase of electronic rival Archipelago Holdings (AX.P) and sets up the NYSE Group Inc. (NYSE:NYX - news) which starts trading on Wednesday.

Adding stock options, fixed income products and more over-the-counter trading to its menu, the NYSE will pit itself in the United States against the younger, more nimble Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ - news), the world's second largest exchange.

But with the NYSE planning a share sale within weeks of going public, analysts also expect the new company to be quick off the mark to join the ongoing consolidation among bourses in Europe and even in Asia.

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