From Amsterdam to Wall Street How Stock Markets Were Born

What do Shakespeare, a box of tennis balls, medieval archers, spice traders, coffee shops, and your retirement account have in common? More than you might think. This week, Jake McClure takes listeners on a fascinating journey from the battlefields of medieval France to the trading floors of Wall Street, uncovering the surprising story of how stock markets were born. Along the way, you’ll learn how Henry V unintentionally helped create the foundations of modern ownership, why we call them ”companies” and ”shares,” how Amsterdam became home to the world’s first stock exchange, and why coffee houses once served as the Bloomberg terminals of their day. Jake also explores the rise of the Dutch East India Company, the origins of speculation, futures contracts, and short selling, the lessons of the South Sea Bubble, and how a small agreement signed under a buttonwood tree helped launch American finance. Perhaps most importantly, he explains why the stock market is not just a place to trade stocks, but one of the most successful systems ever created for connecting ideas, capital, and opportunity. If you’ve ever wondered where Wall Street came from, why ownership works the way it does, or how centuries-old innovations still shape your investments today, this episode delivers a history lesson that’s anything but boring. It’s a story filled with kings, merchants, fortunes, disasters, and a surprisingly powerful idea that changed the world. This episode was recorded on June 24, 2026. If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at advisingteam@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance. If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com. ** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.