Equity markets across Southeastern Europe closed mixed on Friday, reflecting a blend of localized pressures and broader risk-off sentiment across the continent. Gains were recorded in Sofia, Sarajevo, Banja Luka while losses dominated in Zagreb, Athens, Nicosia, Bucharest, Belgrade, Skopje, and Ljubljana. The cautious mood mirrored a broader European downturn, after U.S. President Donald Trump reignited trade tensions by threatening a 50% tariff on European Union goods starting June 1. Citing stalled negotiations, Trump labeled the EU “very difficult to deal with,” adding that talks are “going nowhere.” The rhetoric rattled regional investors already wary of macroeconomic fragility.
Market Performance by Country
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (Sarajevo)
The Sarajevo Stock Exchange’s (SASE) 10-share benchmark SASX10 index was up 0.08% to settle at 1.354,79 points.
Total turnover: 37.025,95 BAM
Transactions executed: 12 trades
Total securities traded: 2.288
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (Banja Luka)
The Banja Luka bourse (BLSE)’s 12-share BIRS equity index was higher by 0.43% to finish at 852,21 points.
Note: The SASE operates in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the BLSE serves Republika Srpska, the other entity forming Bosnia and Herzegovina.
BULGARIA
In Sofia, the main equity index SOFIX of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE) comprising 15 key stocks advancing 0.68% ending the session at 981.53 points.
CROATIA
In Zagreb, CROBEX index tracking 20 major stocks on the Zagreb Stock Exchange (ZSE) shrunk by 2.20% to reach 3,389.59 points.
CYPRUS
In Nicosia, the general index of the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) which follows 38 listed companies lost 1.21% to end the day at 250.22 points.
GREECE
In Greece, the general index of the Athens Exchange, which tracks 61 large-cap companies, was down 1.42% to settle at 1,802.3400 points. The session’s biggest loss came from Iktinos Hellas, whose shares shrunk by 4.62%, leading the blue-chip decliners.
MOLDOVA
On Moldova Stock Exchange no trading activity took place today.
MONTENEGRO
In Podgorica, the MNSE10, the leading index of the Montenegro Stock Exchange (MNSE) which reflects the 10 most representative shares was unchanged.
NORTH MACEDONIA
In Skopje, the blue-chip MBI 10 index representing 10 selected blue-chip stocks on the North Macedonian Stock Exchange (MSE) was down 0.19% to reach 10,714.86 points.
ROMANIA
In Romania, the BET index tracking the 20 most liquid stocks on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) declined 0.35% to end at 17,497.04 points. Read more here.
SERBIA
The BELEX15 Index of the Belgrade Stock Exchange (BSE), covering the 15 largest and most liquid stocks was lower by 0.16% to close at 1.158,04 points. The BSE’s market capitalization stood at RSD 483.604.899.807 (~EUR 4.124.734.422 ).
SLOVENIA
The Slovenian SBITOP index which which tracks the 9 most liquid stocks on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange declined 1.12% closing at 2,154.19 points.