The Prague Stock Exchange rallied 2.16% on Friday, led by Philip Morris CR (formerly known as Tabak), and utility share CEZ. Philip Morris CR added 6.87%, in a greater than average volume of more than 10,722 shares as the market rumoured that (i) the stock will start trading on the parallel market of the PSE, which would imply stricter reporting obligations and also allow local pension funds to invest in the stock, and that (ii) the company may to announce strong FY00 results and generous dividend payment (not until April, we believe). CEZ added 3.36% at the end of the trading session, closing at CZK 107.34. Still, the volume remains below 1 mil. shares. Total market volume reached USD 18.24 mil. on Friday.
(Milan Procházka)