Prague Stock Exchange returns to decline, most blue chips down

Prague, March 26 (CTK) - The Prague Stock Exchange (BCPP) returned to decline today after Wednesday's rise, its headline PX index losing 0.98 percent to 2,512.98 points, with most of the blue chips weakening, according to the bourse's website.

Western European markets also failed to perform after contradictory statements regarding possible negotiations to end the conflict in the Middle East, said Wood & Company broker Hoang Long Le. "As a result of this and concerns about longer-term supply disruptions, oil prices rose again today," he said.

Komercni banka was the most traded title in Prague, with its shares down 1.19 percent to CZK1,076. Moneta Money Bank fell by 1.6 percent to CZK185 and insurer VIG lost 0.26 percent to CZK1,520. Energy company CEZ wrote off 0.68 percent to CZK1,166.

On the other hand, Erste Group Bank rose by 0.22 percent to CZK2,291 and tobacco company Philip Morris CR improved by 0.52 percent to CZK19,200. Solar power plant builder Photon Energy added 2.43 percent to CZK7.58.

Shares in arms maker Czechoslovak Group (CSG) fell sharply on the Free Market of the Prague Stock Exchange. They weakened by 7.59 percent to CZK645. The company today announced its financial results for last year. Net profit rose by 35.5 percent year-on-year to EUR872m (about CZK21.3bn), while sales rose by 71.7 percent to EUR6.7bn (CZK163.8bn). The company expects further growth this year, thanks to increased defence budgets and record order backlogs.

hel/er

AT0000652011
AT0000908504
CS0008418869
CZ0005112300
CZ0008019106
CZ0008040318
NL0015073TS8