Prague Stock Exchange firms, mainly thanks to CEZ

Prague, March 16 (CTK) - The Prague Stock Exchange (BCPP) broke its streak of three consecutive declines today, its headline PX index adding 0.51 percent to 2,528.67 points, mainly thanks to the shares of energy group CEZ, which rose by 4 percent, according to the bourse's website.

Western European markets also started the week on a positive note. "Investors have become slightly optimistic about the development of the conflict in the Middle East, especially in connection with the opening of the Strait of Hormuz," said Wood & Company broker Hoang Long Le.

The total volume of trades on the Prague Stock Exchange reached nearly CZK650m and about half of it was in CEZ securities, which added 4 percent to CZK1,196. Arms maker Colt CZ gained more than a percent, while beverage maker Kofola grew similarly. Solar power plant builder Photon Energy and drone maker Primoco also closed in the black.

Banks, by contrast, lost ground. Moneta Money Bank was the worst performer in the financial sector, down 0.55 percent to CZK180.80. Komercni banka fell by 0.45 percent to CZK1,108 and Erste Group Bank by 0.22 percent to CZK2,248. Engineering company Doosan Skoda Power lost almost 2 percent to close at CZK395. Tobacco company Philip Morris CR wrote off about a percent to CZK19,600.

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