Prague Stock Exchange further improves long-standing highs

Prague, Nov 1 (CTK) - The Prague Stock Exchange (BCPP) firmed today after losing ground for the previous three days, with the headline PX index adding 0.56 percent to 1,648.38 points, improving on its highs since June 2008, according to the stock exchange's website.

"The Prague Stock Exchange, like the European markets, strengthened today and improved its highs since the beginning of June 2008. Banking titles were the driving force behind today's growth, with Erste shares surpassing the Kc1,300 per share mark and Moneta securities posting more than 2.5 percent growth. On the other hand, CEZ shares recorded losses," said Wood & Company broker Lukas Novotny.

Moneta Money Bank gained 2.59 percent to Kc119, Austria's Erste Group Bank added 1.32 percent to Kc1,308 and Komercni banka firmed by 0.12 percent to Kc805.

Arms maker Colt closed 0.65 percent stronger at Kc619, while beverage maker Kofola rose by 0.30 percent to Kc333.

On the other hand, energy group CEZ lost 0.22 percent to Kc900, tobacco company Philip Morris posted a 0.37 percent loss to Kc16,180 and insurance company VIG wrote off 0.54 percent to Kc738.

"Solar group Photon Energy shares posted a relatively significant drop of 5.57 percent to Kc30.50," Novotny said.

Pharmacy chain Pilulka and metallurgical company Gevorkyan ended the day unchanged at Kc145 and Kc260, respectively.

hel/er