site.btaInvestors on Bulgarian Stock Exchange Increase by 30% in January

New investors have increased by 30% in the first month after Bulgaria joined the eurozone, according to the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE). In January, 90% of investors on the BSE were local individuals who accounted for around 80% of the exchange's turnover. Interest from foreign investors is also growing, with new foreign market participants increasing by 64% in January compared to the same period in 2025.

The BSE has noted that 2026 began with strong investor interest. The main SOFIX index recorded double-digit growth of over 14% in the first five trading sessions after the country joined the eurozone, rising from 1,156.43 to 1,323.06 points. It rose by almost 19 % for the month of January, making it one of the best-performing indices in the world that month. 

Turnover also registered a significant increase of almost 184%. This growth was driven by companies primarily from the banking, technology, and holding sectors - segments that are sensitive to reduced currency risk and lower risk premiums.

January ended with a turnover of over EUR 45 million, marking a 2.6-fold increase compared to 2025. The first full month in the new currency environment brought a revival to the market. The number of transactions increased to 16,442, marking a 2.8-fold year-on-year increase. The rapid revaluation of most blue chips strengthened investor interest, leading to a series of strong trading sessions in the first half of the month. After the middle of the month, activity normalized, remaining above average compared to the beginning of 2025.

"Such dynamics are difficult to maintain at an avalanche-like pace. More importantly, we are observing the result of long-term processes, such as technological readiness, modernized market infrastructure and accumulated expectations surrounding the eurozone, rather than a one-off effect. The real task ahead of us is to turn this initial momentum into a sustainable trend," commented BSE Chief Executive Officer Manyu Moravenov, as quoted in the BSE press release.

The BSE adds that a comparison with Croatia shows the effect of introducing the euro is gradually becoming apparent. While activity in Croatia only picked up noticeably after the first year, Bulgaria started with stronger initial momentum.