Czech Republic is now third most attractive country in Europe... and other economic news

• According to expectations, Japanese central bank left interest rates unchanged at 0.5% while market expects interest rates hike in August.

• According to Ernst & Young survey Czech Republic is now third most attractive country in Europe for foreign direct investments while Germany and Poland are on top. Worldwide, Czech Republic is in the 9-10th place.

• Year-on-year consumers’ inflation in Slovakia reached 2.5% in June and the same level applies for core inflation. In both cases number is above market expectations.

• Slovakia’s balance of trade in May ended in deficit of SKK 3.54bn. Exports rose by 15.9% y/y while imports by 11.0% y/y.

• Parliamentary elections would be won by Social Democrats (CSSD) with 34.8% of votes ahead of Civic Democrats (ODS) with 33.4%, according to Median agency survey. This is the first time social democrats are ahead of ODS since last year’s elections.