yasinguneysu / Getty images The Dutch East India Co. holds the distinction of being the first company to offer equity shares of its business to the public, effectively conducting the world's ...

On this date in 1602, the Dutch East India Company, known around the world as the VOC (for Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, United East-India Company referring to the country's union after ...

IT IS NOT quite the oldest trick in equity trading, but it is not far off. In 1602 the Dutch East India Company became the first to sell its shares to the general public. By 1608 Isaac le Maire ...

Backed by the Dutch Republic, the Dutch East India Company made its ownership available to the public to fund business and military ventures. 'Fast' is an understatement for the stock market today.