Following the completion of the merger of New York Stock Exchange and Archipelago Holdings, Inc., which occurred yesterday, stock of the new publicly traded NYSE Group Inc. began trading today.

The firm celebrated by ringing the opening bell this morning. John Thain, chief executive officer of NYSE Group, said, “This merger transforms and modernizes the New York Stock Exchange with a growth strategy for the future. NYSE Group is well positioned to compete and address the challenges of a rapidly changing and evolving global financial marketplace.”

Jerry Putnam, president and co-chief operating officer of the NYSE Group, added, “Archipelago was created with the vision of making markets better for all investors, a vision that we share with the NYSE that has led us to this historic day. I am extremely proud of the innovation, the technology and the value Archipelago has brought to its customers and shareholders and am excited about combining our strengths with those of the NYSE.”

“As a public company, NYSE Group will be a model corporation that sets the standard for integrity and accountability. We will do our utmost to serve the interests of our customers, our shareholders, and all those who rely on our market,” noted Marshall Carter, chairman of the board of the NYSE Group.