Vienna Stock Exchange (WBAG) .VI

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Vienna Stock Exchange (WBAG): Overview and History

The Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse AG, ticker WBAG) is Austria’s sole securities exchange and a market-data hub for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). It operates equity, bond and structured-product markets and runs related services including index development, market data provision, and financial training. The exchange also operates the Energy Exchange Austria (EXAA).

What the Exchange Does

  • Trades equities, bonds and structured products.
  • Provides market data and index calculation for CEE markets.
  • Offers listing and securities-trading services, IT services, and a Central Securities Depository.
  • Runs educational programs and seminars for market participants.
  • Hosts the Energy Exchange Austria (EXAA) for Central European energy trading.

Strategic Focus

  • Strengthen the Austrian home market and promote local investment culture.
  • Expand and coordinate cooperation across Central and Eastern Europe to attract international investors.
  • Emphasize corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in economic, environmental and social areas.

Key Facts

  • Founded: 1771 (established by Empress Maria Theresa).
  • Trading hours: Monday–Friday, 08:55–17:35 (local time).
  • Market scope (June 2020 figures): market capitalization exceeding €90 billion, around 85 trading members, approximately 117 ETFs and more than 140 indices.

Brief History

  • 1771: Exchange established under Maria Theresa; initially focused on bonds, bills of exchange and foreign-currency trading.
  • 1818: First recorded share trading; the Austrian National Bank was the first corporation listed.
  • World War I: Exchange closed until late 1919.
  • Interwar period: Strong revival followed by disruption around 1934 amid financial crises; the 1929 U.S. crash had limited direct impact on Vienna.
  • 1938–1945: Loss of independence after Austria’s incorporation into the German Reich; limited trading during WWII.
  • Postwar: Reopened in 1948; bond trading recovered by the early 1950s.
  • 1985: Renewed interest and a stock-market upswing brought fresh international attention to the Austrian capital market.

Takeaways

  • The Vienna Stock Exchange is one of the world’s older exchanges and the primary securities market in Austria.
  • Beyond trading, it serves as a CEE market-data and index hub and pursues regional integration and sustainability goals.
  • It supports a range of market participants through trading, listing, data services, and education.