Which company ran New Amsterdam in the interest of its stockholders?

The Dutch West India Company was established in the early 17th century specifically to exploit the economic opportunities in the Americas and the West Indies. It played a crucial role in the establishment and administration of New Amsterdam, which was the capital of the Dutch colony of New Netherland. The company was granted a charter by the Dutch government that allowed it to trade, colonize, and administer areas in North America. Its primary aim was to be profitable for its stockholders, which aligned with the colonial enterprise of New Amsterdam, focusing on trade, particularly in fur and other commodities, that would benefit the investors involved.

The other companies listed do not have a direct connection to New Amsterdam. The British East India Company was focused on trade in Asia, particularly in India and the Far East. The Spanish Main Company does not exist in historical records in relation to New Amsterdam; the term usually refers to the Spanish colonial territories in the Americas. The French Northwest Company was involved in the fur trade in the North American interior, primarily focused on areas outside of Dutch influence. Thus, the Dutch West India Company is the correct answer as it was directly responsible for managing New Amsterdam in the interests of its stockholders.