• According to Deputy Minister of Finance, Eduard Janota, state budget deficit could drop to CZK 78bn next year. This number includes government reform impact which is now only being negotiated.
• European Commission identified Malta and Cyprus as ready for euro adoption. Also, EC proposed 1 January 2008 as the date for its implementation but this date has to be approved by member states.
• Japanese central bank has not brought any surprises as it left interest rates unchanged. Prime rate remains at 0.5%.
• American industrial production increased by 0.7% in April after March decline. In addition, it beat consensus of 0.3%. Number of newly built houses in the USA increased in April to 1 528m.
• Stable european inflation. Harmonised consumer prices index in eurozone increased in April by 1.9% which is the same figure as in March. Market expected moderate decline of prices growth to 1.8%.
• OECD announced that it invited further countries to negotiate about their entry to the organisation. Namely, it is Chile, Estonia, Slovenia, Israel and Russia. Other countries were offered more involvement with a view to possible membership.