Czech government is considering sale of 7% stake in CEZ via stock exchange, according to today’s Hospodarske noviny daily. Proceeds should be used for Transport Fund budget. CEZ itself expressed interest in buying these shares.
Balance of trade current account showed a positive surprise when surplus was higher than expected. In January balance reached surplus of CZK 5.5bn. Main contribution came from surplus of foreign trade and lower deficit in income balance.
Production prices index increased by 0.5% in February. Year-on-year inflation reached 3.2% after 2.8% in January. Index in February was influenced mostly by higher prices of metallurgy production and food.
Consumer prices in France in February increased by 0.2%. Year-on-year inflation decreased to 1.2% from 1.4% in January.
Retail sales in the USA increased by 3.2% y/y in February after 2.3% growth in January.
European Commission proposed minimal excise tax from diesel. From current minimum EUR 302 per 1 000 litres it could grow up to EUR 380 in 2014. Rationale behind this proposal is to minimize “fuels tourism”.