The National Stock Exchange is the technology driven stock exchange which was incorporated in 1992. It was recognised as a stock exchange in 1993 and started operations in the year 1994. NSE provides trading in two main segments namely, Whole Sale Debt Market Segment and Capital Market Segment.
(i) Whole Sale Debt Market Segment: This segment provides a platform for trading in fixed income securities such as state development loans, bonds issued by public sector undertaking, corporate debentures, commercial paper, mutual funds, central government securities, zero coupon bonds, treasury bills, etc. NSE started operations in Whole Sale Debt Market in June 1994. It is the first fully screen based system for trading in debt market. That is, it is the first computer based trading system. Trading in the debt market involves two parties- trading members (which are the recognised brokers of NSE) and the participants (i.e. the buyers and sellers of securities). The transactions among the participants are settled through members. For instance, the members place an order for the seller of a security which is then suitably matched by another member for buyer of a security wishing to purchase that security. An order remains in the system until it is suitably matched. This segment of NSE is also known as NEAT (National Exchange for Automated trading).
(ii) Capital Market Segment: Under this segment, NSE deals with trading in equity shares, preference shares, debentures, exchange traded funds as well as retail Government securities. It provides an efficient and transparent platform for a fair trading system. The capital market segment commenced its working in November 1995. The trading system of NSE Capital Market segment is also known as the National Exchange for Automated Trading – Capital Market (NEAT- CM). The trading operations of the Capital Market segment remain the same as in the Whole Sale Debt market system.
