Poland. According to Andrzej Malinowsky, president of the Confederation of Polish Employers (KPP), Poland’s economy didn’t collapse but slowed down because Polish employers adapted during the economic downturn, as sated in the Polish Market Online. Janusz Steinhoff, deputy prime minister and former minister of the economy, believes the economy is doing quite well with all things considered as a result of Polish entrepreneurs and system changes launched early.
The EBRD expects Poland to grow 2.3% this year. [Invest with a Poland ETF.]
- Market Vectors Poland (NYSEArca: PLND)
Russia. The best-performing sectors in Russia in 2009 were banks, telecommunications and oil companies. The Russian markets were bolstered by the governmental measures that flushed the banking system with cash, provided guarantees and propped up the ruble. The swift rebound in commodity prices and increase in demand for energy, metals and other natural resources have also helped Russia’s recovery. [Reasons why Russia ETF may be riding a bull.]
The EBRD expects Russia’s economy to expand 3.9% in 2010.
- Market Vectors Russia (NYSEArca: RSX)
Other related Eastern European ETFs include:
- SPDR S&P Emerging Europe (NYSEArca: GUR): Russia, 64.2%; Turkey, 15.3%; Poland, 10.8%
- iShares Emerging Markets Eastern Europe Index Fund (NYSEArca: ESR): Russia, 74%; Poland, 14.5%
Max Chen contributed to this article.