FEAS Yearbook FEAS Yearbook 2015 | Page 19

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FEDERATION OF EURO-ASIAN STOCK EXCHANGES BULGARIAN STOCK EXCHANGE In 2014, all main indices of the BSE remained on positive territory throughout the year, registering slight increase at the end of the 12-month period. Ivan Takev CEO The year 2014 was a challenging one for the Bulgarian Stock Exchange. From a financial point of view Bulgaria went through a very difficult period - the political instability and banking sector turbulence had a negative impact on investors’ confidence, especially in the second half of the year. Liquidity on the stock market was very low and trading volumes fell by 50% compared to 2013. Nevertheless, all main indices of the BSE remained on positive territory throughout the year, registering slight increase at the end of the 12-month period. Bulgarian stocks started 2015 on a positive note. The ruling government coalition seems stable, the country economic performance is improving and investors’ confidence is returning. Financial analysts believe there is a significant upside potential in the local stock market and that the recovery from the previous crisis years will continue. The Bulgarian Stock Exchange will continue with its efforts to attract new, well-performing companies for listing. The upcoming IPO of the leading software company Sirma Group Holding will send positive signals to the investors. The key HigHligHts Of tHe year Companies and market capitalization Number of listed companies Domestic companies Foreign companies Number of new listings Domestic market capitalization (USD million) Trading Value of share trading (USD million) Number of share trades (thousand) Value of bond trading (USD million) Number of bond trades Index SOFIX 31.12.2013 31.12.2014 381 381 0 8 6,972 372 372 0 2 6,084 873 81 143 492 399 107 101 433 491.52 522.1 intended privatization of larger state-owned energy companies through the stock exchange would surely give the market new momentum and catch the attention of global institutional investors. On a regional level the Bulgarian Stock Exchange will further promote the co-operation with all the exchanges in South-East Europe. A good example of fruitful partnership is the EBRD financed project whose objective is the creation of a common regional infrastructure for trading of securities, listed on the Bulgarian, Macedonian and Zagreb stock exchanges. “ The Bulgarian Stock Exchange will continue with its efforts to attract new, well- performing companies for listing. ” ABOUT BULGARIAN STOCK EXCHANGE Established: 1991 CEO: Ivan Takev Address: 6 Tri ushi Str., floor 5, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria Contact name: Panteley Karassimeonov E: [email protected] W: www.bse-sofia.bg FULL MEMBERS 17