Interfax: Czech Republic & Slovakia news report of 31.10.2008

STATISTICS

Czech unemployment rate at 4.3% in Q3, lowest level since 1996

Confidence in Czech economy drops 5.9 points in October – stats office

POLITICS

Czech lower house begins debate on U.S. radar station treaties, Senate may hold vote Thursday

COMPANY NEWS

TRANSPORTATION

Czech car maker Skoda posts net down 24.7% y/y in Q1-Q3, blames global crisis, strong crown

ENERGY NEWS

OIL & PETROCHEMICALS

Russia, Czech Republic may switch to direct contracts between oil suppliers, clients – Zhukov

Czech oil transporter Mero inks deal with TAL pipeline to counter drop from Russia’s Druzhba

PRESS: Russian group Phaeton buys Czech fuel retail chain Pap Oil

BANKING & FINANCE NEWS

BANKING

Prague-listed Erste Bank net up 74.6% in Q1-Q3 at EUR 1,463 mln, in line with expectations

Erste’s Czech unit Ceska sporitelna ups Q1-Q3 net 73.4% y/y to CZK 14.08 bln

INSURANCE

Czech PPF Investments wins Russian arbitration court case against insurer Ingosstrach

EMERGING MARKETS NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Russia wants creation of new legislation on global financial system – Russian president

Belarus to sign agreement with Russia to secure USD 2 bln stabilization loan

Ukrainian PM admits Ukrainian society split on NATO membership, referendum necessary

Kazakhstan’s Kashagan deal signed, commercial oil production to start by end of 2013

Kyiv, Brussels to prepare plan for introduction of visa-free travel for Ukrainians

Gazprom, Ruhrgas to set up energy efficiency joint venture

Entry into NATO’s MAP will not raise political tensions in Ukraine – Ukrainian president

Russia to strengthen strategic nuclear forces in response to U.S. missile defense plans – official

Russian Foreign Minister warns Poland against "speculative reading" of history

FINANCIAL MARKETS

EQUITIES

Prague bourse PX index up 16.85% w/w Friday, energy titles CEZ, NWR lead rally

Bratislava Stock Exchange (BSE), Indices, 24-31/10/2008

Prague Stock Exchange (PSE), SPAD trading, 24-31/10/2008

FIXED INCOME

Prague Stock Exchange (PSE) Treasury bonds, Direct trading, 24-31/09/2008

CURRENCY

Czech National Bank (CNB) foreign exchange rates, 24-31/10/2008

National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) foreign exchange rates, 24-31/10/2008

MONEY MARKET

National Bank of Slovakia, BRIBOR rate fixing, 24-31/10/2008

Czech National Bank, PRIBOR and PRIBID rate fixing, 24-31/10/2008

CALENDAR