Spokane Stock Exchange


The Spokane Stock Exchange was a regional stock exchange in the northwest United States, located in Spokane, Washington. Founded mainly to trade stock of mining companies, it began operations in 1897 and closed 94 years later on May 24, 1991.

History

Early years

Founded mainly to trade stock of mining companies, it began operations in 1897. Peyton Building was the headquarters of the Spokane Stock Exchange. Trading volume peaked in the early 1980s at $100 million, although by 1985, trading was rarely over $50,000 a day.

Closure

After failed attempts by the board to find an investor or buyer, it closed on May 24, 1991. At the time it closed "because of slumping silver and gold prices and waning investor interest," it was the smallest stock exchange in the United States. It was the smallest of seven regional "penny stocks" market. At the time of its closure it had a reputation as a haven for trading speculative penny stocks, almost exclusively in mining metals stocks of the Silver Valley in nearby north Idaho.