TNS Factum and STEM August survey showed that 46% of Czech would vote for CR’s entry to the EU. That is 3% more than in September 2001. 19% of respondents would not support the entry.
Czech National Bank officials meet a management of Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of Industry and Confederation of Entrepreneurs today. The central bank wants to present the monetary development and its monetary instruments on the meeting. Members of “Trutnov appeal” called for the meeting earlier.
German industry was harmed yesterday by a strike of the biggest German unions IG Metall. 50 thousands workers stopped working across 20 companies. The strikers called for a wage hike by 6.5%, the employers agree on 3.3% increase only.
Hungarian Central Bank kept its interest rates unchanged yesterday. The two-week rate remains at 8.5%. Central bank increased its end-year inflation forecast to 5.3% from 5.0%. However, the inflation will likely fall to 3.4% in December 2003.
FOMC, the American Central Bank (FED) managing board is meeting today. Most economist expect the Federal Reserve to wait until at least the latter half of this year before raising interest rates. The change in view was strongly influenced by Friday’s unfavorable unemployment news.
On the other hand, the Australian Reserve Bank is expected to raise the rates today. The key 1-day rate will probably rise by 25 bps from 4.25%, which is the lowest level for the past 28 years.
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Radim Krejčí