The statistical bureau released November trade data showing the monthly gap was just 12.1 billion crowns, well below analyst expectations of CZK18.0 bil shortfall. Export growth outpaced import growth for the first time since March.
Czech central bank Governor Zdeněk Tůma on Thursday mapped out a smooth path for the country's rebounding economy in 2001, saying he expects stability and no dramatic changes for interest rates. But while Tůma told a news conference the economy would be stable, he added the two looming problems for the medium-term are the poor state of public finances and the current account deficit.
The politically-appointed Television Council on Wednesday announced that Jiří Hodač, a former BBC journalist, would take over from Dušan Chmelíček who the council said had failed to deliver on promises made when taking up the post a year ago.
The Czech koruna touch weaker against the euro at 34.727/757 despite positive November trade data. The koruna opened at 34.712/742 after closing at 34.73/74 on Wednesday. The CZK/USD exchange rate stood at 38.951/981 from 38.22/25 late Wednesday.
The longest state bond 6.40/10 at 94.40/70 with yield at 7.24/19 percent. The government 6.75/05 at 99.85/15, yielding 6.785/700.
(David Marek)