Bulgarians who would consider investing in mutual funds usually expect to get fast profit, preferably within a year's time, a survey conducted by Pragmatika agency at the request of DSK Asset Management found out.

Some 40% out of 800 people surveyed (all with monthly income of 1,500+ leva) said they were willing to invest in a collective scheme and hold the investment for a year.

The average sum they are willing to put is 4,170 leva. The survey was conducted in big cities in Bulgaria, respondents are aged between 25 and 55.

Historical performance is the number one criterion for Bulgarians when choosing a fund, the agency concluded, as it was pointed out by 60% of those who said they would consider investing in a mutual fund. Number two is the risk level (41.3%).

Just 23% of people would choose a fund based on its investment policy.

Factors such as the fund's size, management, information it provides to unit holders, and the process of unit buying are still not that important for Bulgarians.

Deposits continue to be the most popular savings product Bulgarians use (77.3%). 43.5% of respondents said they invest their savings in shares and 31.9% mentioned retirement insurance.

60.4% said they are aware of the opportunities presented by mutual funds, which is considered a good degree of public awareness. However, the fact that people expect to make a lot of money in a very short period of time, shows that they are still not familiar with the process, said Petko Krastev, DSK Asset Management executive director.

He also stated that the Bulgarian market holds a lot of development potential in that area, as the share of the population investing in mutual funds here is four times below the average for EU countries.

In these terms, Bulgaria is in a position to catch up with CEE countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary in 4-5 years' time, he added.

66.3% of respondents said the best way to invest money is to put it in real estate, 12.6% said starting their own business was the best option. Opening bank deposits ranks third here (12.3%).

Most people said they find information about mutual funds through consultations with friends and relatives, as well as on the Internet and TV.