GPW — what is the Warsaw Stock Exchange?
GPW (Warsaw Stock Exchange) is Poland's main capital market. 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 Poland's main capital market. It's where investors buy and sell company shares, bonds, ETFs and other financial instruments.
Brief history
GPW was established April 16, 1991 — as one of the first institutions of the reborn Polish capital market. The first session took place with 5 companies. Today, over 400 companies are listed on GPW's main market and hundreds on NewConnect (market for smaller companies).
Most important indices
| Index | Description |
|---|---|
| WIG | Broad market index — covers 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 the account — deposit money to broker's account
- Orders — place buy orders for selected companies through broker's platform
Trading session lasts from 9:00 to 17:05 on business days.
GPW vs foreign stock exchanges
Polish investors also have access to foreign exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ, Xetra) through their brokers. GPW offers a smaller selection of companies, but simpler tax settlement and no currency risk.
How Freenance can help?
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