Why: The Numbers Under a Magnifying Glass

Each of the reasons for the rise of the NYSE to pre-eminence posited earlier is discussed in light of what the value of securities traded graphs reveal; (i) that the NYSE began its rise to pre-eminence in 1851–1852, and (ii) that this process accelerated after 1852. The chapter also analyzes the explanations for the NYSE launching into prominence presented in other resources: Erie Canal, Population, Wealth, and Stock Ticker. The plausible causes for the rise of the New York Stock Exchange to pre-eminence are examined based on the data. (i) Population (ii) Wealth (iii) Opening of the Erie Canal and the (iv) Stock Ticker are analyzed as well as market efficiency.