The financial wealth of Bulgarian households is estimated at BGN 33,5 B for the third trimester of 2008, according to a research conducted by Industry Watch.

The net financial wealth reaches BGN 23,3 B.

According to Krassen Yotov, from Industry Watch, there is a slow down in the rate of wealth growth, which has began with the crash of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange. Despite that trend, the wealth growth is still larger than the inflation rate and the organization forecasts a positive trend of wealth growth in the future.

Bank deposits have increased by 5% in the third trimester of 2008 with an annual increase of 28%. Direct deposits in stock shares, however, have gown down and are currently only 2,4% of the savings of all households.

Housing prices continue to go up, but with slower rates. The total estimated value of residential buildings in Bulgarian towns and cities is EUR 76 B.

Compared to the other countries in the Euro Area, Bulgarians invest 7 times less in stocks and bonds and 5 times less in retirement funds.

Among those polled, most fear that they would lose their job - 46% ,while 18% are afraid that the interest rate of bank loans would go up.

Dimitar Chobanov from the Market Economy Institute pointed out that the net savings of Bulgarians are low and represent only 14% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Chobanov further explained that currently Bulgaria did not need assistance from the International Monetary Fund and must distinguish itself from others who have to resolve to such help.

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