THE INFLUENCE OF THE COVID 19 ON THE BET AND WIG20 INDICES. COMPARATIVE ASPECTS

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to assess the effects of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID – 19) on two stock market indices: BET index for Bucharest Stock Exchange and WIG20 index for Warsaw Stock Exchange. The negative effects of the pandemic have had an influence on the performance of the stock markets since its debut. Many companies as well as sectors have ceased their activity during the outbreak, causing devastating financial losses worldwide. By comparing indices evolution during 2020 using the data available on the stock markets’ websites, as well as analyzing in part the companies that make up the indices portfolio, we will try to present the sectors most affected by the pandemic as well as their evolution during the analysis period. The results of this research can be a starting point for future empirical analysis on the long-term effects of the pandemic on stock markets’ performance for Romania and Poland. The results could be a source of information for state institutions, companies, investors, analysts but also representatives of the medical sector (responsible for crisis management) - in order to observe the severity and magnitude of the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the financial markets and also help develop and ensue their long-term sustainable growth.