Investors in Hungary are navigating a middle path between conservative and speculative strategies, positioning themselves between cautious Romanian portfolios and the aggressive, risk-oriented style of Bulgarian investors, according to a new behavior analysis by Freedom24.
Hungary, currently facing moderate inflation (3.7%) and a higher-than-average budget deficit (4.6% of GDP), fosters a mixed investor mindset. Many Hungarian investors show interest in both defensive instruments and higher-risk assets, especially in technology, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
This contrasts with Romania, where persistent inflation (5–6%) and elevated government bond yields (7.8% for 2025 maturities) encourage more defensive strategies, prioritizing portfolio stability.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s positive macroeconomic outlook, buoyed by strong SOFIX index performance and a planned eurozone accession by 2026, has boosted risk appetite. Bulgarian investors lean heavily into high-volatility sectors such as crypto, biotech, and ETFs.
Technology: A shared passion across borders
Despite their different risk profiles, investors in all three countries share a strong interest in leading tech stocks. Companies like NVIDIA (NVDA.US), Microsoft (MSFT.US), Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM.US), and Tesla (TSLA.US) are top picks across the region, reflecting a pan-European enthusiasm for AI, semiconductors, and clean energy.
However, Hungary stands out for its dual-track approach: while many investors build positions in stable tech names, others explore speculative corners of the market. This includes digital asset mining companies like Marathon Digital (MARA.US) and Riot Platforms (RIOT.US).
When it comes to protection, Hungary prefers flexibility
Hungarian investors often rely on bond ETFs, such as TLT.US or SDIA.EU, to maintain a safety net, while still allowing liquidity and tactical shifts. This contrasts with Romanian investors, who opt more frequently for individual U.S. Treasury bonds to lock in fixed income over medium and long terms.
Bulgarians, meanwhile, prefer diversified ETF exposure over individual bonds, combining growth potential with moderate downside protection.
