Daily summary of the Czech economy: MTX Group, CEZ, PPF, Volkswagen Group and ECB (May 14, 2025)

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Overview of the latest economic events in the Czech Republic

After a series of profitable days today, the PX index fell slightly by 0.15 % to 2164.93 points, while still holding near the all-time high reached on Monday. The decline was led mainly by Austrian financial titles such as Erste Group and VIG. Investors reacted to concerns over the European Central Bank's monetary policy.

Czech industrial group MTX Group of entrepreneur Petr Otava reported EBITDA of CZK 3 billion, down by 3 % year-on-year. On the other hand, unconsolidated revenues rose by 3 % to CZK 56.3bn, mainly due to growth in export orders in the metallurgy and energy sectors. The company also hinted at a possible entry into the renewable energy segment.

The CEZ power company today announced a planned investment of over CZK 2 billion in the expansion of its battery storage facilities in North Bohemia. The aim is to increase the capacity for storing surplus renewable energy in response to new EU electricity market regulations.

Foreign investment

PPF Group has announced that it intends to increase its stake in ProSiebenSat.1 from 14.94 % to 29.99 %, which would bring it just below the threshold for a mandatory takeover bid. The offer price is EUR 7 per share, 21 % more than the current offer from rival MFE. The move strengthens PPF's position in the European media sector.

The Volkswagen Group has announced that the new Volkswagen ID.2 electric vehicle, planned for next year, will use a new type of traction battery, the LFP (lithium iron phosphate). This technology is to be extended to the Skoda Enyaq, Elroq and the upcoming Skoda Epiq, indicating deeper cooperation within the group. As a key employer in the Czech Republic, Škoda Auto expects to increase production at its plant in Mladá Boleslav.

Komerční banka has concluded new credit frameworks in the amount of CZK 6 billion for Czech companies expanding into Eastern European markets, especially in the construction and engineering sectors. The bank is responding to the increased demand for infrastructure projects financed by EU funds.

Significant events outside the Czech Republic with global impact

Volkswagen's switch from NMC chemistry to LFP marks a fundamental change in the global automotive industry. This is expected to reduce costs and extend battery life, which may affect not only European but also Asian supply chains. The move will have a direct impact on the strategy of Skoda Auto, Audi and Cupra.

Tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over oil and gas supplies led to a slight rise in energy prices on world exchanges. This translates into increased volatility in European equities, particularly in the transport and chemicals sectors.

Expectations that the European Central Bank (ECB) will slow its interest rate hikes have affected bond yields and bank headlines across the euro area. This also impacted the shares of Erste Group and Raiffeisen Bank, which weakened on the Prague Stock Exchange today.

Current exchange rates according to the CNB and Google Rates

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