The blue chips index SOFIX recorded its fifth largest gain in percentage terms for 2008 today (+4.78%).

This year's record was seen on 14 October (+7.56%). Followed by +6.19% on 25 January, +5.48% on 9 October and +4.83% on 21 November.

SOFIX closed at 360.95 points today, while BG40 rose 3.9% to 105.19 points. Total daily turnover stood at 5.7 mln leva (2.9 mln euros).

The stocks of infrastructural companies, insurers and holdings were today's best performers.

Holding Roads and Trace Group Hold added 12% and 13% respectively to 3.67 leva and 39.80 leva/share. Moststroy appreciated by 15% to 4.60 leva.

It emerged earlier today that Bulgaria may lose more than half a billion euros under the Phare Program. The European Commission said it will not restore the authorization of two agencies working with funds under the program. The authorizations were revoked in November.

The market capitalizations of insurers Euroins and Bulstrad expanded by 8.7% and 11.9% respectively to 2.99 leva and 47 leva/share.

Holding Varna and Eurohold Bulgaria added 13.7% and 1.3% respectively to 12.50 and 1.95 leva/share. Albena Invest Holding rose 4.3% to 4.69 leva.

Investors were actively trading Sopharma. The stock appreciated by 5.4% to 2.13 leva apiece at a turnover of 294,000 shares. Central Cooperative Bank (+7.4% , 0.98 leva) and Chimimport (+5.2%, 2.14 leva) also closed in positive territory.

Nechim surged some 18% and closed at 37 leva apiece.

30% of the 110 stock traded today closed in the red. Among them were Petrol (-9.09%, 10 leva) and Biovet (-19.9%, 3.56 leva).