The Australian Securities Exchange, commonly referred to as ASX, is Australia's main stock exchange headquartered in Sydney. It acts as a platform for investors to buy and sell shares of publicly listed companies, as well as derivatives like options, futures, and commodities. The ASX was formed in 2006 through the merger of the Australian Stock Exchange and the Sydney Futures Exchange, making it one of the largest and most iconic financial markets in the region.

The ASX also serves as a regulatory and operational manager for listed companies, ensuring they adhere to national and international reporting standards. It is a pivotal institution within Australia's economic framework, offering a venue for companies to raise capital and individual investors to engage with equity markets. For instance, a company might list its shares on the ASX to access funding from a wide pool of investors.

Apart from equities, the ASX deals in financial instruments such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and debt securities. It influences the economy by providing liquidity, pricing transparency, and risk management solutions. An example of its usage could be, "The company announced its initial public offering (IPO) would be listed on the ASX."