The Warsaw Stock Exchange (GPW) has published the latest portfolio of its socially responsible Respect Index.
Following a review carried out by Deloitte, the index portfolio in its 10th edition has 25 participating companies, including four new members: Fabryki Mebli Forte, PCC Rokita, Bank Pekao, and Trakcja PRKiI.
This year’s number of new members is the highest ever.
“The Respect Index is the first social responsibility index in Central and Eastern Europe,” says Małgorzata Zaleska (pictured), president of the management board of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. “This year’s 10th edition includes 25 participating companies which follow the highest standards of corporate governance, reporting, and investor relations, including environmental, social and employee factors.
“I am glad that the number of companies which work for sustainable development as a part of their long-term business strategy is growing from year to year. Their initiatives support the development of the capital market, enhance investor confidence, and provide investors with tools necessary in key business decision-making.”
“The jubilee tenth edition of the Respect Index is an excellent opportunity to revisit the past editions, which have brought together 40 companies. We have four new members this year. Eight companies have been present in the portfolio from the inception of the index. They are the market leaders which steadily improve their responsible business strategies and are an inspiration for others. Such behaviour is crucial in view of the obligation to disclose non-financial data effective as of January 2017. Three-fourths of companies present in the Respect Index portfolio prepare non-financial reports, 90 per cent follow the GRI standards, and 50 per cent undergo independent reviews,” says Irena Pichola, partner, sustainability consulting Central Europe leader, Deloitte.
Within seven years of the index, from 19 November 2009 to 13 December 2016, it has gained more than 50 per cent. Meanwhile, the broad market index WIG has gained 28 per cent.
