GPW — what is the Warsaw Stock Exchange?
GPW (Warsaw Stock Exchange) is the main capital market in Poland. Learn the definition, history, indices and how to start investing on it.
Definition
GPW (Warsaw Stock Exchange) is the largest stock exchange in Central and Eastern Europe and the main capital market in Poland. It's a place where investors buy and sell company shares, bonds, ETFs and other financial instruments.
Brief history
GPW was established on April 16, 1991 — as one of the first institutions of the reborn Polish capital market. The first session took place with 5 companies. Today, GPW lists over 400 companies on the main market and several hundred on NewConnect (market for smaller companies).
Main indices
| Index | Description |
|---|---|
| WIG | Broad market index — includes all companies from the main market |
| WIG20 | 20 largest and most liquid companies |
| mWIG40 | 40 medium-sized companies |
| sWIG80 | 80 small companies |
| WIG-Tech | Technology companies |
| WIG-ESG | Companies meeting ESG criteria |
How to start investing on GPW?
To buy shares on GPW, you need:
- Brokerage account — with a broker (XTB, mBank eMakler, Bossa, DM BOŚ)
- Funds in account — deposit money to the broker's account
- Order — place a buy order for chosen company through broker's platform
Trading session runs from 9:00 to 17:05 on business days.
GPW vs foreign exchanges
Polish investors also have access to foreign exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ, Xetra) through their brokers. GPW offers fewer company choices but simpler tax settlement and no currency risk.
How Freenance can help?
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