The Sofia Stock Exchange (BSE) recorded an almost 184% increase in trading volume in the last week, with Bulgaria joining the euro zone on January 1, 2026, BTA reports.

The number of transactions also increased by 112.79% in the last week compared to the same period last year, the BSE reported on Tuesday, according to Agerpres.

The main index of the Sofia Stock Exchange, SOFIX, started 2026 with a 14.41% increase in the first trading week after Bulgaria joined the euro zone. The index rose from 1,156.43 to 1,323.06 points.

A similar parallel in terms of the increase in trading activity can be drawn with another key moment in Bulgaria’s history, its accession to the European Union in 2007. Data from early 2007 show that in the first week after EU accession, the SOFIX index increased by 6.37%, from 1,224.12 to 1,302.81 points. Turnover increased by 12.24% compared to the previous year, while the number of transactions doubled.

”Joining the eurozone places Bulgaria in a new position on the financial map of Europe. The market reaction, right from the first day of trading, is obvious – SOFIX increased by 3.7% in a single day and continued at a similar pace in the following days. This is a clear sign of the strengthening of long-term confidence, the improvement of market infrastructure and increased financial awareness,” said BSE Director Manyu Moravenov.

The upward trend in turnover and the main index continues in the first days of the second week of trading in euro. Market participants expect the transition to the euro to facilitate access for international investors and support deeper integration of the Bulgarian capital market, the BSE concluded.