Prague Stock Exchange sees mild growth

Prague, Jan 5 (CTK) - The Prague Stock Exchange (BCPP) rose slightly today, the headline PX index gaining 0.03 percent to 1,438.49 points mainly thanks to banks, while the shares of energy group CEZ and Austrian insurer VIG weakened, according to the bourse's website.

Most European stock exchanges declined for most of the day, said Bohumil Trampota, an analyst at Komercni banka.

"Only the end of trading and the positive opening of overseas markets brought a turnaround. The Prague Stock Exchange, on the other hand, was in the black for most of the day," Trampota noted.

"The stock exchange was supported today by banking titles, led by Erste as the most traded listing, while CEZ shares faced losses," said Wood & Company broker Vladimir Vavra.

Austria's Erste Group Bank gained 0.49 percent to Kc925.90. Moneta Money Bank also fared well, rising by 0.53 percent to Kc94.70, while Komercni banka firmed by 0.14 percent to Kc738.

Arms maker Colt CZ added 0.9 percent to Kc559 and tobacco company Philip Morris closed 0.76 percent stronger at Kc15,900.

On the other hand, CEZ weakened by 0.56 percent to Kc973.50 and VIG shed 0.91 percent to Kc653, while soft drinks maker Kofola fell by 0.73 percent to Kc271.

Slovak industrial company Gevorkyan stayed flat today at Kc272.

hel/er