Imperial Mercantile Exchange

The Imperial Mercantile Exchange (officially known as the IMEX) is an international commodity exchange owned and operated by the Sørtarnland Company of Aedeland. The exchange facilitates the trade of commodities and securities, primarily within the Anarian continent and its trade partners.

History

The Sørtarnland Company established its first market forums to streamline the buying and selling of commodities. The earliest of these, known as the "Dye House," was founded in Vestruæs in 7489, allowing buyers and sellers to set quality standards and establish business rules. As the company's trade network expanded, over a dozen such markets were created to facilitate regional trade.

In 7421, after securing an exclusive trade agreement with Chaim, the Sørtarnland Company consolidated its Anarian trade houses into a central exchange. Initially, the exchange was exclusive to the company’s purveyors and Anarian buyers. However, in 7465, the exchange was opened to external interests, and the trading of securities to protect suppliers began. This securities market became one of the earliest examples of its kind.

The Pan-Anarian War greatly stimulated speculative securities trading, driving significant growth in the exchange's activities. Following the war, the exchange expanded its services, including the reporting of global commodity statuses, for which it is widely recognized today.

Trading Characteristics

The Imperial Mercantile Exchange operates as an unregulated market with trading hours from 9 am to 4 pm Auresian Mean Time (AMT). Most trades occur through an open outcry system in a large hall known as the "Trader’s Pit," where traders conduct stock transactions on behalf of buyers in a continuous auction format.

Trade Schedules

The exchange is known for its "Board," a schedule of current commodity balances that has been a central feature since 7556. The Board occupies the entire north wall of the Trader’s Pit and includes:

• The Commodities Index: Tracks the status and trading volumes of various commodities.
• The Precious Metals Index: Provides real-time data on precious metal trading.
• The Status Commodities Index: Offers updates on the status and availability of key commodities.

The exchange remains a pivotal institution in global trade, particularly in commodities and securities, contributing significantly to the economic landscape of Aedeland and beyond.