The stock indexes of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE) posted losses for the second straight day this week hitting new lows.

Today's decline on BSE may be attributed largely to the negative trend on the European and Asian stock markets where indexes posted losses of over 1%.

The broader BG40 index ended today's session 1.8% down to a new one-year low of 290.52 points.

The SOFIX blue-chip index dropped to its lowest level in 20 months. The index slipped to under the 1,100-point marked shortly during the day to close the session 1.02% down at 1,100.63 points.

The SOFIX last slid under the 1,100-point mark on November 21, 2006.

The trading activity was low, which is typical for the summer months. BSE's trading turnover amounted to 5.5 mln leva today. Over-the-counter market accounted for 2.9 mln leva of the figure.

Albena and Monbat's stocks depreciated by 3.7% each to 12.84 and 12.31 leva per share, respectively. Nearly 8,000 shares in Industrial Holding Bulgaria traded hands on the day. The stock appreciated by 2.8%.

Oil & Gas Exploration & Production and Bulgarian River Shipping lost 5.6% each in thin trade.

Eurohold stood out today against the backdrop of the low trading volumes. More than 31,000 shares in the company changed hands on the day, while the stock depreciated by 1%.

Sopharma (+1.22) and Lead & Zinc Complex (2.39%) were the only stocks listed on BSE's Official market to advance on the day.