The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is one of the oldest stock exchanges in the world, the largest in Europe, and the primary stock exchange of the United Kingdom. The LSE was founded in 1773 to trade shares and bonds issued by the British government; it was first called "The Stock Exchange Bill" or the "Listing Bill". The LSE was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1801, which came into effect on 1 June 1802. It finally opened for trading on 22 May 1804, and currently covers approximately 1,300 companies listed on seven different exchanges: London Stock Exchange (LSE), Euronext, New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ OMX PLC (formerly the American Stock Exchange), Euronext Dublin (formerly Irish Stock Exchange), Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), Shanghai Stock Exchange (SHSE).The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is one of the oldest stock exchanges in the world, the largest in Europe, and the primary stock exchange of the United Kingdom. Founded in 1773 by a group of London merchants including Thomas Gresham, it was originally housed in a building called The Old Coffee House, a small building on the corner of Baynard's Street and Old Broad Street. In 1986, the LSE moved to its current headquarters on Threadneedle Street, which was designed by Richard Rogers. Since 1999, the LSE has been a leading provider of trading services for companies listed on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.With the LSE, it is easier than ever before to trade shares. The LSE is a market for all investors, a place where you can buy and sell stocks, bonds and other securities on a daily basis. The LSE offers award-winning customer service, as well as comprehensive information about all the businesses listed on the exchange, allowing you to make informed investment decisions.The London Stock Exchange also provides a comprehensive range of services for investors, such as trading tools and technology, market data and research, advice and guidance about the markets, corporate governance and financial information standards. London Stock Exchange (LSE) is situated in Paternoster Square, London EC2P 2EZ.