<p>The Amsterdam Stock Exchange (AEX) is a major stock exchange located in the Netherlands, operating since 1602. It's one of the oldest stock exchanges in the world and a key player in the European financial landscape.</p>

<h2>How It Works</h2>
<p>The AEX is an electronic order book system, where buyers and sellers meet to trade stocks. It's open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM CET, Monday to Friday. The exchange lists companies from various sectors, with the AEX Index tracking the performance of the 25 largest and most liquid stocks.</p>
<p>Trading on the AEX involves several steps:</p>
<ul>
  <li>An investor places an order through a broker.</li>
  <li>The broker sends the order to the exchange's trading system.</li>
  <li>The system matches the order with another order from a counterparty.</li>
  <li>Once matched, the trade is executed, and the shares are transferred.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Why It Matters</h2>
<p>The AEX plays a significant role in the Dutch and European economies. It provides a platform for companies to raise capital and investors to trade shares. For instance, in 2021, the AEX listed 57 companies, raising a total of €10.5 billion.</p>
<p>Moreover, the AEX Index serves as a benchmark for the Dutch equity market. It reflects the overall performance of the Dutch economy, making it a useful indicator for investors and economists alike.</p>