PX index rises by 14 pct in Jan-Sept

Prague, Sept 30 (CTK) - Shares on the Prague Stock Exchange (BCPP) did well in the first three quarters of the year, according to the headline PX index, which gained almost 14 percent to 1,611.2 points at the end of September, Wood & Company broker Vladimir Vavra told CTK today.

Austria's Erste Group Bank appreciated the most, while pharmacy chain Pilulka lekarny was the biggest loser.

"The PX index broke above the 1,600-point mark on July 15 for the first time since June 2008. However, in early August, it fell back to the 1,500-point mark under the influence of the nervousness on markets around the world at the time based on the latest economic data from the US and geopolitical tensions related to the looming conflict between Israel and Iran. It then returned above the 1,600-point mark in September," Vavra said.

Erste was the best performer over the three quarters, gaining 36.79 percent to Kc1,234. The above-average performance of Erste Bank compared other banks on the exchange is mainly related to better profitability dynamics.

The second biggest gainer was arms manufacturer Colt, which has added 21.47 percent since the beginning of the year to Kc645.

On the other hand, Pilulka has lost 26.02 percent to Kc182 so far this year. However, in September alone, it added 8.33 percent after news that the antitrust office UOHS had allowed the founder of online supermarket Rohlik.cz, Tomas Cupr, to buy the Pilulka group.

Solar power plant maker Photon Energy posted the second biggest loss of 17.43 percent to Kc37.90.

CEZ, the most active title on the Prague Stock Exchange, has lost 8.14 percent since the beginning of the year to Kc880.50. The stock was mainly influenced by developments on the European energy market. However, in September alone, the title gained 1.85 percent.

The PX index rose by 1.05 percent in September.

hel/er