This week's first two sessions on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE) were marked by low trading volumes and a slight decline of the indexes, Daniel Dimitrov, portfolio manager at Real Finance Asset Management, told Profit.bg.

The only exception was BGREIT, which posted advances after several REITS announced decisions to distribute considerable dividend.

The week started with declines on the international markets. The main reason is the higher political risk after North Korea's nuclear tests.

Macroeconomic news weighed on the market. The quick recovery of Germany's economy was questioned after the IFO index advanced less than expected. U.S. house prices dropped by 19.1% year on year in the first quarter of 2009, data showed yesterday.

The market sentiment changed following the report on the higher consumer confidence in the USA. As a result the major U.S. indexes advanced by more than 2%.

As a result of this positive sentiment I expect most stocks on BSE to post price gains today in continuing thin trade. There were sell-offs on the positions of financial companies in the beginning of the week, but if the long-turn trend reverses they will post the highest stock price growth.

The trade on BSE will also be influenced by the consolidated financial reports of the public companies.

Investors' attention will also be focused on the REIT due the low prices of their stocks and the fact that they are obliged by law to distribute the bulk of their profits as dividends.