Czech equities, as measured by the PX Index, were off by 1.1% for the week to close at 1,815.4. The overall volume of trading on the PSE reached USD 1,030.4m, 21.8% above its 12M weekly average of USD 846.0m.
Unipetrol was the top gainer of the past week. Its price increased on news that the Italian company Eni bought a 16.11% stake in Ceska rafinerska from ConocoPhillips. Some brokers also raised Unipetrol’s target price. CEZ was the most actively traded listing and closed the week's session almost flat. Domestic demand related to its share-buy-back continues, but we are also seeing foreign investors on the sell side. Zentiva took advantage of an upgrade to its target price along with good foreign demand and its price strengthened by 2.2%. Also, a brokerage recommendation on Telefonica O2 CR was upgraded by an analyst and again, along with buying interest from foreign investors, the stock finished the week in positive numbers. Komercni banka fell after the stock went ex-dividend. Shareholders approved a dividend of CZK 150 per share. CME followed in line with the performance of its US trade shares and declined by almost 3%.
On Monday, ECM posted its 1Q07 results. We believe the market expected better numbers and we expect to see a negative reaction from investors. This week, also reporting their 1Q07 figures are Orco and Pegas. According to our projections Orco should announce weak numbers. Zentiva and Erste Bank hold their AGMs. The Czech National Bank will decide about interest rates on Thursday, May 31 and we see the possibility of a hike in interest rates as high.