What is dubbed “the world’s first initial public offering” took place in 1602 in this current European capital

Find out the Final Jeopardy Answer for the episode airing on Thursday, June 8 2023!

Today’s Final Jeopardy Category is: Business History

Today’s contestants are Suresh Krishnan, David Ford and Allison Strekal.

Today’s Final Jeopardy

What is dubbed “the world’s first initial public offering” took place in 1602 in this current European capital

Final Jeopardy Answer

The Final Jeopardy Answer is: Amsterdam

Final Jeopardy Explanation

The world’s first initial public offering (IPO) took place in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, in 1602. The Dutch East India Company (VOC), also known as Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, issued shares to the general public in order to raise capital.

This move helped the company amass a substantial amount of capital, which was used to fund its various enterprises across Asia. The VOC was granted a monopoly over the Dutch spice trade, and with this backing, it was able to build a vast trading network with outposts around the Indian Ocean.

The VOC issued its shares on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, considered the oldest in the world. The shares of VOC were openly tradable and their value fluctuated based on supply and demand, similar to today’s stock markets. Investors could buy, sell and short sell the VOC’s shares, creating a sophisticated market for its time.

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