(Vienna) The Austrian Traded Index (ATX) is being celebrated by investors with new record highs in its 35th anniversary year. On 13 May 1991, Austria’s benchmark index made its public debut and flickered across TV screens for the first time. Thirty-five years later, the ATX is an internationally established benchmark reflecting the long-term success of the 20 largest and most traded Austrian companies on the Vienna Stock Exchange. Investors who have continuously invested in the ATX since 1991 can now look back on an almost fifteenfold increase in their capital (average annual return incl. dividends: 7.95%). The importance of dividend distributions on the Austrian stock market is particularly evident in the long-term comparison: while the performance index (Total Return) already surpassed its 2007 high around five years ago and has continued to reach new record highs since, the price index only achieved this milestone at the end of last year.
"Thirty-five years of ATX impressively reflect the strong performance of the Austrian stock market. Looking at pure price performance, however, only tells half the story, as dividend payments are not taken into account. On the Austrian stock market, dividends are not a footnote, but a main chapter. Anyone who ignores them systematically underestimates Austrian stocks," says Christoph Boschan, CEO of Wiener Börse AG.
By international comparison, Austria is considered a high-dividend market. According to Bloomberg estimates, the average dividend yield in the ATX is expected to stand at around 4% in 2026, despite the strong price gains seen in the recent past. This is more than three times the level of the S&P 500, more than double the MSCI World dividend yield and more than one third higher than the DAX.
About the ATX
The Vienna Stock Exchange calculates the ATX both including and excluding dividends. Trading turnover and free-float capitalisation are the decisive factors for inclusion in the leading Austrian index. The composition is reviewed semi-annually. The index is calculated in real time according to a purely quantitative methodology set out in the index rules. OMV AG, Verbund AG and Wienerberger AG have been represented without interruption since the start of calculation. Austria’s leading index is dominated by the sectors financials (48%), basic industries (30%), industrial goods & services (9%) and utilities (7%).
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About Wiener Börse AG
As the main provider of market infrastructure in the region, Wiener Börse AG is the gate to global markets. Uniting the stock exchanges in Vienna and Prague, the group offers state-of-the-art systems, information and IT services. Listed companies receive maximum liquidity and investors benefit from fast and cost-effective trading by the market leader. Wiener Börse AG also collects and distributes stock market data and calculates the most important indices of the region. Because of this unique know-how the national stock exchanges in Budapest, Ljubljana and Zagreb trust its IT services. Additionally, the group holds stakes in energy exchanges and clearing houses.
Exclusion of Liability
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forecasts that are based on assumptions current made at the time of publication of this press release. We do not assume any liability for these forward-looking statements materializing. Furthermore, we would like to explicitly point out that this press release cannot serve as a basis for investment decisions and may not be construed as a solicitation to buy or a recommendation to invest by Wiener Börse AG. No liability is assumed for the information given in this press release.
