At Euronext, we believe in the power of the next generation to become the investors of tomorrow. As part of World Investor Week, we are committed to equipping young and first-time investors with the knowledge needed to navigate European capital markets confidently and responsibly. 

This article is the first in a three-part series in celebration of World Investor Week designed specifically for first-time investors, with the aim of making investing more accessible, understandable and empowering for those just beginning their investment journey. Stay tuned throughout the week for more insights for first-time investors.  

Building confidence through education 

Investing may seem complex at first glance, but understanding a few foundational concepts can help demystify the process and foster long-term financial empowerment. With more digital access to financial markets than ever before, now is the time for the next generation to build financial confidence. 

What does it mean to invest in stocks? 

When you invest in a stock, you are purchasing a small share of ownership in a company. This share, commonly called equity, entitles you to a portion of the company’s performance, whether through dividends (periodic payments of profit) or capital gains (selling the stock at a higher price than you paid). 

Stocks are traded on public exchanges like Euronext, which provide a transparent and regulated environment for buying and selling securities. These markets allow businesses to raise the capital they need to innovate and grow while offering individuals the opportunity to participate in that growth. 

A shift in mindset from saving to investing 

Many young people are familiar with the concept of saving money in a bank account. Investing, however, is a longer-term commitment that involves allocating your money into assets, such as stocks, with the potential to grow over time. 

The transition from saving to investing begins with understanding your financial goals. Are you looking to build wealth over the next decade? Save for a home? Plan for retirement? These goals will influence the type of investments and strategies you might explore in the future. 

The value of starting early 

One of the most significant advantages for first-time investors is time. By starting early, even with small amounts, you benefit from the power of compound interest. This means any returns you earn are reinvested, potentially leading to exponential growth over a long investment horizon. 

Additionally, long-term investing can help smooth out the short-term ups and downs (or volatility) of the market. While stock prices may fluctuate day to day, historically, equity markets have shown strong growth over the long run. 

Education before execution 

Before investing, it is important to understand key concepts that support informed decisions. These include: 

• What is a stock? A stock is a unit of ownership in a company. 

• How do stocks work? Their prices are influenced by supply and demand, economic indicators, company performance and global events. 

• What are the risks? All investments carry risk. Stock prices can go down as well as up, especially in the short term. 

• What are investment strategies? Investors may follow different approaches like long-term investing, dividend investing or index investing, depending on their goals. 

Understanding these fundamentals allows individuals to participate in the market thoughtfully, rather than reactively. 

The role of stock exchanges in the economy 

Stock exchanges like Euronext play a vital role in the financial system. They connect businesses with the capital needed to grow, while offering a platform for individuals and institutions to invest in the future of those companies. In doing so, they foster innovation, job creation, and economic development across Europe. 

By investing in listed companies, individuals are not only aiming for personal financial returns but also contributing to the broader European economy. 

Empowering the next generation of investors 

Through taking part in initiatives such as World Investor Week and our ESG commitment to financial literacy, Euronext supports early engagement with capital markets. We recognise the importance of informed participation, particularly as more young Europeans begin their investment journeys through accessible online platforms and mobile trading tools. 

Building for the future 

Strategic first-time investing focuses on building long-term financial resilience rather than chasing quick wins. As Europe continues to strengthen its capital markets, young investors will play a central role in shaping the future of our economy. Euronext is proud to take part in initiatives that support financial inclusion, promote education and drive greater participation in capital markets across generations. 

Stay tuned for more articles in our Next Generation series throughout World Investor Week, as we continue to explore the building blocks of responsible investing. 

Learn more about stock market fundamentals in our Education Centre. 

Follow along this week for more insights tailored to first-time and young investors. 

Access a broader of range of derivatives as Euronext reintroduces single stock futures contracts on Swedish and Swiss underlyings, as well as single stock dividend futures on Swedish, Swiss and American underlyings.  

Single Stock Futures (SEK, CHF)

Re-introduction of 57 single stock future contracts on Swedish and Swiss underlyings, expanding trading opportunities. 

Key benefits: 

• Initial margin efficiency: Benefit from an efficient portfolio margining approach which can significantly reduce capital costs. By holding a diversified portfolio of futures and options, optimise your margin requirements and improve capital allocation.  
   

• Complementary product suite: Take advantage of a combined offering andbenefit from strong margin offsets between related futures and options positions, further enhancing trading efficiency and flexibility.  
   

• Broader market access: Gain exposure to individual Swedish and Swiss equities, manage risk, and implement a variety of trading strategies in a regulated and transparent environment. 

Single Stock Dividend Futures (SEK, CHF, USD) 

Re-introduction of 113 single stock dividend futures contracts, expanding access to Swedish, Swiss, American underlyings. Manage dividend exposure and implement advanced trading strategies across a wider range of international equities with this broadened offering. 

Key advantages:  

• High multiplier: Manage larger positions with fewer contracts and benefit from enhanced clearing efficiencies with contracts featuring a 10,000 multiplier. 
   

• Euronext’s competitive pricing:  Benefit from the lowest fees for both on-screen and off-screen trading among European markets, supporting your cost-effective execution. 
   

• Harmonised corporate actions: Thanks to the European Corporate Actions Committee that ensures a unified approach to events such as dividends, splits and mergers, you can benefit from a standardised treatment of corporate actions, resulting in clarity and consistency.  

single stock futures on euronext

SINGLE STOCK DIVIDEND FUTURES ON EURONEXT

On 6 October 2025, Euronext proudly launches the first edition of the Euronext Trading Game, powered by NextWise, a flagship financial education initiative designed to equip university students across Europe with the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate today’s capital markets. 

Over the next seven months, students across Europe will participate in a hands-on trading simulation accessible via mobile app or desktop. Whether they are finance students or entirely new to the subject, the game offers a unique opportunity to build practical investing experience in a safe and educational environment. 

Building the next generation of European investors 

As part of the Euronext Foundation’s commitment to promoting financial literacy and education, the Euronext Trading Game aims to democratise access to financial knowledge and encourage greater participation in European capital markets. 

Participants will manage virtual portfolios of equities and ETFs listed across Euronext’s seven marketplaces in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal, using 15-minute delayed market data. Students can take part individually with a virtual endowment of €50,000, or in groups of 5 to 7 members, managing a virtual portfolio of €200,000. A distinctive feature of the initiative is the interaction between individuals and teams, where individual players may allocate up to €30,000 of their portfolio to teams they believe are performing well, simulating real-world investing in funds or group strategies. 

The Euronext Trading Game also features a customised video course, introducing participants to core concepts such as inflation, interest rates, investment strategy and risk management. 

A competitive journey with real-world rewards 

The competition component of the initiative is structured in two phases: 

• National competitions (October 2025 – April 2026): Participants will be ranked monthly based on a range of quantitative criteria, including gross and risk-adjusted performance, portfolio diversification and compliance with UCITS rules. The initiative spans seven months, allowing even late-joining students to compete effectively. 

• European final (16 April 2026): National winners will advance to a European Pitched Battle, where they will present their investment strategies to a jury of market experts. The European winner(s) will receive an exclusive opportunity to shadow the local CEO of their Euronext market, gaining first-hand insight into leadership and decision-making at the highest level. 

All national winners will also benefit from certified financial training, mentorship from Euronext professionals and public speaking and presentation coaching, helping them sharpen their analytical skills and their ability to communicate with confidence. 

Fostering financial literacy across Europe 

Students will engage with peers from across Europe via a dedicated feed, share market insights and build a network of like-minded individuals interested in finance, economics and capital markets. The initiative’s inclusive approach welcomes students from all academic backgrounds, including those on Erasmus exchanges or in gap years, as long as they are enrolled in a university or higher education institution in one of the seven participating countries where Euronext operates exchanges: Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal. 

In line with Euronext’s commitment to financial education, diversity and inclusion, the initiative also helps raise awareness of Euronext’s early careers and internship opportunities, while strengthening Euronext’s brand visibility among future market participants and professionals. 

Financial literacy as a foundation for Europe’s economic future 

By giving students hands-on experience in portfolio management and exposing them to the realities of the financial market, the Euronext Trading Game aims to foster more informed, resilient and confident financial decision-making. 

Greater financial literacy is essential to empowering Europeans to engage meaningfully with capital markets, whether as savers, investors, entrepreneurs or future leaders. 

Register now and start trading 

Registration for the Euronext Trading Game remains open until 10 April 2026, with monthly performance scores offering multiple opportunities to rise through the ranks.  

To find out more and register, download the NextWise app  or access the platform online. 

Euronext has officially inaugurated its new Porto office in the city’s historic Pharmacia building, marking a major milestone in the Group’s strategic expansion and continued investment in operational excellence across Europe. 

The inauguration, held on 30 September 2025, brought together institutional partners and Portuguese public officials, including the Minister of Economy and of Territorial Cohesion of Portugal, Castro Almeida, and the Mayor of the City of Porto, Rui Moreira. With an opening speech from Stéphane Boujnah, CEO and Chairman of the Managing Board of Euronext, the ceremony was an occasion to celebrate the transformation of this historic space into a state-of-the-art technology and operations hub. 

A new home rooted in heritage 

Located in the heart of Porto, the newly renovated Pharmacia building originally opened in 1916 as the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto. Over the past century, it has played a vital role in the city’s scientific and educational life. Euronext’s careful restoration of the building preserves its architectural character, such as its façade and stained-glass windows, while integrating modern infrastructure to support future growth. 

Porto employees are moving to the new site from the Boavista building, which served Euronext for nearly three decades, housing the Bolsa de Derivados do Porto since 1996, Euronext Securities Porto (formerly Interbolsa) since 2000, and the Euronext Tech Centre since 2017. The move reflects the Group’s growing footprint in Portugal, with Porto staff growing from 120 in 2017 to around 500 today. 

Strategic investment in Porto’s role within Euronext 

Porto plays a critical role within Euronext’s European model. It hosts core post-trade operations, the Euronext Securities Porto team and the Group’s Tech Centre, which develops and runs Euronext’s proprietary Optiq trading technology and leads innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and market infrastructure. The move to the new facilities reflects Euronext’s long-term commitment to strengthening its talent and consolidating Porto’s position as a hub of operational excellence, technology and cross-border collaboration. It also supports the Group’s broader ambitions under the ‘Innovate for Growth 2027’ strategic plan, enabling teams to deliver impactful projects that contribute to Europe’s financial integration and resilience. 

Honouring local excellence 

Reflecting Euronext’s commitment to diversity, cultural depth and inspiration, all meeting rooms in the Pharmacia building are named after prominent Portuguese figures from across disciplines including literature, science, arts, diplomacy and human rights, with full gender parity. The auditorium, named Europa, pays tribute to the Group’s European mission and its cross-border market infrastructure. 

A symbol of growth, confidence and ambition 

At the ceremony, Stéphane Boujnah, CEO and Chairman of the Managing Board of Euronext, addressed the significance of this move: “This building represents more than a move. It is a symbol of growth, confidence and ambition. This is Euronext’s federal model in action with local teams, rooted in their communities, bringing expertise that strengthens our pan-European market infrastructure. It demonstrates the power of combining local talent with European ambitions. It shows how Europeans can succeed together when they refuse to fail separately.” 

Euronext’s investment in Porto reaffirms its strategic commitment to building a resilient and integrated European capital markets ecosystem. With enhanced facilities, a strengthened team and deep historical roots, the new Porto office is a key step forward in the Group’s long-term European strategy.