Wall Street, located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan in New York City, is more than just a physical location; it represents the financial markets of the United States. The term "Wall Street" is often used as a metonym for the American financial services industry, New York-based financial interests, or the Financial District itself. Anchored by Wall Street, New York has been described as the world's principal fintech and financial center.
The name "Wall Street" originates from a literal wall built by Dutch settlers in 1653 to protect their settlement from English invasion. In the 18th century, it functioned as a slave market and a site for securities trading. Over time, it evolved into the financial hub of the U.S., housing the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and numerous financial institutions. Wall Street has become a worldwide symbol of high finance and investment.
Wall Street has experienced booms and busts, including the stock market crash of 1929, which triggered the Great Depression, and the more recent financial crisis of 2008. In 2011, it was the center of the Occupy Wall Street protest, highlighting concerns about economic inequality. Despite its ups and downs, Wall Street remains a global center for finance and capitalism. Recently, in early February 2026, Wall Street experienced a volatile week with fluctuations in AI and cryptocurrency markets.
