General FAQs
Market Information
Listing on the London Stock Exchange
RNS News
Regulating the Market
Investors Questions
Itemised Trading Charges
General
Where can I find more information on the covered warrants market?
The Covered Warrants microsite provides targeted information for Brokers, Investors and Issuers.
How can I get access to price sensitive & regulatory information for all listed and AIM companies?
The Regulatory News Service (RNS) Publishing Website provides you with access to the full text of all price sensitive and regulatory announcements released by listed and AIM companies.
Can you recommend a broker?
No, for legal reasons we cannot recommend any one particular broker but we can offer a free list called Guide to Investment Services or a full list of our Member Firms in the Membership section.
Where can I get information on courses or exams?
The Securities Institute offers a vast range of courses and exams - For free information call on 020 7626 3191
Can I get information on companies prior to listing?
Unfortunately, the Exchange is subject to legal restrictions on the sort of information it can publish on any company prior to the date of listing. However, the New Issues section provides limited details about companies which are shortly to list. There are also some national newspapers and magazines which currently publish this sort of information, for example the Investors Chronicle and Shares magazine.
How do I go about buying and selling shares?
The Investor Tools section gives you useful information about buying and selling shares on the London Stock Exchange's markets.
Where can I buy and sell shares on the internet?
For more information on buying shares over the Internet, please go to Guide to share investment services.
Where can I get share prices for companies listed on the London Stock Exchange?
The Share Prices Service provides free access to a host of 15 minute delayed price related data. The Share Monitoring Service is a free of charge service for anyone interested in the performance of shares listed on our UK markets. With access to historic share price information, updated daily, you can use this graphing facility to monitor the performance of up to 10 UK listed and AIM securities of your choice.
I want to know more about oil, metal or commodities prices
www.liffe.com/products/commodities. For soft and agricultural commodities, contact The London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange on 020 7379 2588.
How many companies are listed on the London Stock Exchange?
The Companies section of this website includes detailed information about companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
How do I become a member of the London Stock Exchange?
For more information, please contact our Membership team on 020 7797 3360 or read the Membership section of our website.
How do I find out about jobs at the London Stock Exchange?
Details of career opportunities at the Exchange are available at our dedicated recruitment section. Alternatively, contact our Personnel department on 020 7797 4123 for further information.
Can I arrange to visit the Exchange? Unfortunately the Exchange is no longer open to visitors. The major attraction for visitors was traditionally our trading market floor. This was closed in 1986 when 'Big Bang' replaced open-outcry trading with a system of computers and telephones. In addition, the security aspects of operating a visitors gallery had become too onerous.
Market Information
Where can I buy historic trading data?
The Tick Data Subscription Service provides historical intraday tick-by-tick trading data (time and sales information).
Where can I find out about forthcoming corporate actions?
Stock Situation Notices (SSN) provide essential information needed to trade and settle in securities which are subject to a corporate action.
Where can I find ex-dividend information?
The Corporate Events Diary is an on-line calendar used to track forthcoming corporate events affecting UK securities traded on the London Stock Exchange.
Where can I get historic daily closing quotations to value shares for probate or tax purposes?
The Historic Price Service provides official end-of-day Daily Official List quotations for securities traded on the London Stock Exchange.
Where can I find a list of information vendors?
Information vendors use a variety of different mechanisms such as the Internet to deliver share prices and news from the London Stock Exchange.
What does the abbreviation 'GBX' mean on the Share Prices page?
This refers to Pence
Listing on the London Stock Exchange
What is the Main Market?
The Main Market is the Exchange’s principal market for listed companies from the UK and overseas. Offering the widest investor base it tends to attract larger companies. It currently includes approximately 2,000 UK companies and 500 overseas companies.
What is AIM?
AIM (Alternative Investment Market) gives companies from all countries and sectors access to the market at an earlier stage of their development by combining the benefits of a public quotation with a more flexible regulatory approach.
What are the main differences in the admission criteria for the Main Market and AIM?
The table below highlights the main differences in the admission criteria for the Main Market and AIM.
How can international companies list on the London Stock Exchange?
International companies can list a number of products in London – including shares, depositary receipts and debt, offering different and cost-effective ways to raise capital.
Can a company list securities in Euros?
Yes, in fact companies can choose to have stock traded in over 20 global currencies including Euros, US Dollars and Yen.
What are the ‘Main Market Admission and Disclosure standards’?
The Exchange’s own rules for companies joining our markets. Companies admitted to, or considering flotation on the Main Market also need to comply with the UK Listing Authority’s (UKLA) Listing Rules. The UKLA's Listing Rules are available from the Financial Services Authority by calling +44 (0) 20 7943 0333.
How long does the flotation process take?
On average the process takes about seven months, but many companies start preparing for flotation two-to-three years in advance.
What should I ask potential advisers?
Possible questions might include: What recent deals have you worked on? How much will it cost to float? What range of valuations can you expect? Which market is most appropriate for the company?
How much does it cost to float a company?
It varies greatly. 10% of money raised is a good rule of thumb.
Where can I get a list of North West companies traded on the Exchange?
landMARK north west brings together over 120 companies from the region which are traded on either the main market or AIM. All of these companies are grouped together below.
What are the benefits of joining AIM?
AIM gives companies from all countries and sectors access to the market at an earlier stage of their development, allowing more businesses to experience life as a public company.
Where can I find a list of AIM companies and their nominated advisers?
The London Stock Exchange maintains a list of approved Nominated Advisers.
Where do I find the AIM Rules on the Exchange's web site?
You can view or download the latest AIM rulebook and any recent updates from the Company Resources section of this site. There's also full information on the fast-track admission route – AIM Designated Markets, disciplinary and appeals procedures and fees.
What is techMARKTM?
techMARKTM is a grouping of innovative technology companies listed on the Main Market.
As a listed company how can I apply to join techMARK?
techMARKTM is open to all innovative technology companies who issue shares or retail certificates representing shares, irrespective of their size, industrial classification or location.
Do techMARK companies need a three year track record?
No, there are exemptions from the UK Listing Authority's requirement for a three-year track record for two specific groups of companies:
For innovative high growth companies as defined under the UKLA's Listing Rules with a Market Capitalisation of at least £50m selling shares worth at least £20m on admission, these companies will have to produce quarterly reports and; for scientific research-based companies as defined under the UK Listing Authority's Listing Rules with a market capitalisation of at least £20m, raising at least £10m on admission and able to demonstrate that they have achieved significant commercial milestones.
What is techMARK mediscience?
techMARK mediscienceTM is a specialist grouping within the Main Market specifically developed to put the global investment community in touch with companies in the dynamic healthcare sector.
How does techMARK mediscienceTM relate to techMARK?
techMARK mediscienceTM is our market for international healthcare companies. techMARK mediscienceTM companies have to meet the techMARK eligibility criteria before they can join. In addition, techMARK mediscienceTM companies must be constituents of, or eligible for, the FTSE pharmaceutical and FTSE medical equipment and supplies sub sectors.
How is a company admitted to techMARK mediscienceTM?
By becoming a techMARK company, and by being a member of the FTSE Pharmaceuticals sector or the FTSE Medical Equipment and Supplies sub-sector.
What are the techMARK indices?
The FTSE™ techMARK™ All-share Index includes all the techMARK companies from across the main market. The FTSE™ techMARK™ 100 Index focuses on medium and smaller techMARK companies. It excludes the largest companies and includes the 100 primary-listed companies that had a market capitalisation below £4bn at the launch of techMARK. And, The FTSE™ techMARK™ mediscience Index for emerging healthcare companies in the early stages of growth, so FTSE 100 companies are not included
Where can I find a list of techMARK mediscience companies? All companies are represented in the FTSE™ techMARK mediscience™ index.
What is a rights issue?
In a rights issue, a company which has already listed invites existing shareholders to buy additional new shares in the company for a set price. Shareholders can either ‘take up’ their rights or ‘pass’ them.
How does the Exchange assist companies with their investor relations activity?
Investor Relations is one of the most important disciplines for a listed company. At the Exchange we offer a range of products and services to companies looking to develop an Investor Relations strategy.
What are institutions and other investors looking for?
Controlled growth: companies that deliver what they forecast; management teams with a good track record and relevant skills. Above all, a board must be seen to be in control - to have the ability to drive the business forward and the vision to grow.
Can you pay the fees out of the money raised?
Yes – this is normal practice.
What is the minimum market value?
There is no minimum market value requirement. However if a company is admitted via chapter 25 of the UK Listing Authority rule book then the minimum market value is £50m.
What is corporate governance?
Corporate governance is the way a company conducts itself and structures its senior management.
What is a P/E ratio?
The ‘price/earnings ratio’ is a measurement of a company’s rating. It is calculated by dividing the share price by the annual earnings per share. A high P/E ratio means the company is highly-rated by the stock market, suggesting that investors think its prospects are good.
What is price-sensitive information?
Any information that could lead to substantial movement in the price of a company’s shares. Companies have an obligation to notify the market of any such information.
What is liquidity?
Liquidity is a measure of the tradability of a company’s shares.
Where can I find further information about the indices?
The index ground rules are available from FTSE web site
Can listed companies use the Exchange broadcasting facilities to communicate to its shareholders?
The Media Centre, at the London Stock Exchange, combines the latest media and presentation technology to offer companies the ultimate corporate event venue. Available to hire for company results' presentations and product launches, the Media Centre provides a convenient location for director's TV and radio interviews associated with your event or announcement.
Where can I find a company share price graph and detailed company information?
landMARK is our market for quoted regional companies and is dedicated to highlighting their potential in every area of the UK and Ireland.
You can also find full details about international companies listed on our markets.
Regulating the Market
Where can I find an online copy of the Rules of the London Stock Exchange?
Please visit the Rules and Regulations section of this site
Where can I find the latest Rule Update pages to update my hardcopy Rulebook?
Please visit the interim rules updates section of the site
How can I register to receive London Stock Exchange Notices?
Please register here to receive our notices
How can the Exchange help if I have a complaint about a company or a firm who is a member of the London Stock Exchange?
Please review the Making a complaint section to answer your question
Trading on the London Markets
How do I become a member firm of the Exchange?
For information about becoming a member of the London Stock Exchange, please contact one of our Membership team on 020 7797 3360, who will manage and advise on all aspects of becoming a member.
Where can I find the Exchange's Trading price list?
Details of pricing can be found on the Trading Prices page of our website within the Membership and Trading Services area. Alternatively, please contact our Membership team on 020 7797 3360. They will be able to advise you on all charging structures and the types of fees a trading firm is likely to incur. Existing members should contact their account manager.
What's the latest regulatory notice from the Exchange?
Please refer to the Rules and Regulatory Guidance section of our website.
Which companies are members of the London Stock Exchange?
Please refer to the List of Members within the Membership and Trading Services section of our website.
Where can I find out about gaining trading access to the London Stock Exchange?
Details regarding trading access options can be found on the Trading Access pages within the Membership and Trading section of our website. Please contact our Membership team on 020 7797 3360 for a fuller explanation of the options for connecting to Exchange.
Where do I find information on RSP Gateway?
Please refer to RSP Gateway page within the Trading Services section of our website or contact our Membership team on 020 7797 3360. Existing members should contact their account manager.
How do I subscribe to the CREST Network Service?
To take advantage of the CREST Network Service which allows direct communication with CREST through the simply addition of a CREST Gateway onto Extranex, please contact our Membership team on 020 7797 3360. Existing members should contact their account manager.
What stocks are traded on IRS?
IRS currently offers trading for UK retail investors in over 350 blue chip companies from the United States and Europe. All securities traded on this platform are quoted in Sterling, and are for settlement in the UK settlement agency - CREST.
Which companies are traded on IOB?
IOB is the trading platform for around 150 liquid international equities and Depository Receipts from emerging markets including Russia, Taiwan, South Korea and India.
RNS News
Where can I find out all the latest company news?
RNS is the company news service from the London Stock Exchange bringing company information to the global investment community quickly, securely and cost-effectively.
Where can I find webcasts linked to announcements?
RNS Webcasting enables investors to see, hear and even interact with Board members online
Who should use RNS?
Please visit this page to find more information on the two distinct customers categories
Who distributes RNS announcements?
Please visit this page to see the list of who distributes RNS announcements
What do the RNS headlines actually mean?
There are eleven RNS headlines. Please visit this section to see what they mean.
What does RNS Insight offer?
The ability to monitor, search and analyse all RNS announcements published throughout the previous two years
How can I personalise the RNS service to suit my needs?
MyRNS is a facility designed for ease of use, consistency of presentation, and instant access to the information that matters most to you. The service enables you to create and save your own profile and tailor your individual requirements, so that you can view only what you want when you want.
Where can I access historical RNS announcement data?
The historical announcement archive allows you to search announcements by date and time of release
How can I forward an announcement to a friend?
Click the 'Send to a Friend' button to launch a form that will allow you to send details for any announcement to a friend or colleague by email.
Can I be alerted of certain real-time announcements published?
My Email Alerts provides the ability to set up personal e-mail alerts, so that you receive mail notification of real-time announcements you have chosen as soon as they are published
How can I make sure my key contacts read my announcement?
My Email Alerts provides the ability to set up personal e-mail alerts, so that you receive mail notification of real-time announcements you have chosen as soon as they are published
Where can I access price sensitive news?
The RNS section allow you to do this
General
Is my company eligible to join techMARK?
Membership of techMARK is open to all innovative technology companies whatever their size, country of origin or currency of share trading. techMARK companies represent a broad range of industries, but all companies share a key attribute - technological innovation
Where can I read your Annual Report?
Please visit the Investor Relations site for this information
Investors Questions
Do you have any information on buying shares?
landMARK enables you to find out about investment opportunities in your region
How do I set up a portfolio?
Please visit the London Stock Exchange price service and register to be able to set up a portfolio.
Where can I download a list of UK companies?
For detailed information about the companies on our markets, you can use this section to search by company name, FTSE index, sector or region.
What is landMARK?
landMARK is our market for quoted regional companies and is dedicated to highlighting their potential in every area of the UK and Ireland.
Does the Exchange run any courses or events?
We organise many events for companies to help keep them up to date on best practise in the market and provide an opportunity to meet other company directors. We also run regular flotation seminars for companies considering joining our markets and introductory seminars for companies who have recently joined.
What companies from Derbyshire are quoted on the London Stock Exchange?
landMARK is our market for quoted regional companies and is dedicated to highlighting their potential in every area of the UK and Ireland.
How can I use ETFs?
ETFs can be used as a core building block for an investment portfolio.
What are the benefits of ETFs?
The key benefits of ETFs are: Diversity in a single share, low annual management fees, range of funds and the ability to trade in real time.
What is an ETF?
ETFs are index funds that are bought and sold like ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange.
What is a Covered Warrant?
A Covered Warrants is a financial instrument tha bestows on the holder the right, but not an obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified strike price during, or at the end of, a specified time period.
I want to buy shares in non-UK companies - where do I start?
The International Retail Service provides UK retail investors access to trading in International Stocks
How do I find out about announcements made by companies I invest in?
Please use the RNS service to receive announcements
I have a complaint about my broker - where do I go?
Please visit the making a complaint section for further information
Which brokers offer internet dealing?
This page can help you to find a stockbroker. Different brokers provide different levels of advice on selecting shares to buy and sell; execution only brokers provide the least and discretionary brokers provide the most.
How do I track shares in BP?
You can track up to 40 shares in a Watchlist and create up to 10 Watchlists.
How do I find a historic price in BT?
The Historic Price Service provides official end-of-day Daily Official List quotations for securities traded on the London Stock Exchange.
What is AIM?
AIM (Alternative Investment Market) gives companies from all countries and sectors access to the market at an earlier stage of their development by combining the benefits of a public quotation with a more flexible regulatory approach.
I want to invest in technology shares, but where do I start?
techMark is an option to invest in technology shares
Itemised Trading Charges
What is ITC?
Itemised Trading Charges (ITC) provides members with a full breakdown of their trading charges. Through this value-added service, members gain online access to information on their previous day’s trading activity. For more information existing members should contact their dedicated account manager. Firms who are interested in becoming a member should contact the Membership team on 020 7797 3360.