It is the third-largest stock exchange by trading size in the United States. In 2008 it was get hold by the NYSE Euronext and turn into the NYSE Amex Equities in 2009. The AMEX is situated in New York City and deals with about 10% of all securities traded in the U.S.
The AMEX name was initially changed to NYSE Alternext US, and then became NYSE Amex Equities. It earlier used to be a tough competitor to the New York Stock Exchange, but that role has since been done by the Nasdaq. Now, almost all trading on the AMEX is in exchange-traded funds, small-cap stocks and derivatives.