Big Bang

Big Bang

The term applied to the liberalization in 1986 of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) when trading was automated.

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Big Bang

The date, October 27, 1986, on which the London security markets were significantly deregulated. The deregulation eliminated fixed commissions on security trades and put an end to the prohibition against securities firms acting as brokers and dealers.

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Big Bang

An informal term referring to the deregulation of the London Stock Market on October 27, 1986. On that date, a number of changes occurred, including a shift from an open outcry system to an electronic exchange. Perhaps most important, however, was the abolition of fixed commissions, which completely changed the way brokers on the London Stock Market conducted their business. Big Bang significantly increased the volume on the London Stock Exchange and reversed its trend of falling behind other world stock markets. It was a major part of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's financial reform program.

It is important to note that one does not refer to Big Bang as the Big Bang.