Slovak crown hits 2-wk highs on region, strong GDP

    BRATISLAVA, March 6 (Reuters) - The Slovak crown  
firmed to a two-week high versus the euro on Tuesday, fuelled by 
a brighter regional mood and the country's robust economic 
growth, dealers said. 
    The unit gained 0.5 percent against the euro on Tuesday, 
hitting 34.250 in early trade, its strongest level since Feb. 
20. It stood at 34.410 late on Monday . 
    "The crown opened above 34.300 per euro. Then GDP data were 
released, which were slightly supportive and the crown briefly 
touched 34.250 per euro," said Slovenska Sporitelna dealer 
Vladimir Gajdos. 
    Data showed the Slovak GDP rose 9.6 percent in the fourth 
quarter of 2006 for a full-year record 8.3 percent. 
    The figures signalled a shift towards a healthier structure 
of GDP growth as exports rose. Analysts said Slovakia's fast 
expansion did not pose a major threat to inflation and the 
country's goal of adopting the euro in 2009. 
    Traders said the crown had potential to strengthen further 
if the regional sentiment remains supportive, adding it should 
drift in a range of 34.200-34.300 per euro in the near term. 
------------------ MARKET SNAPSHOT AT 1445 GMT ----------------- 
Crown/euro  at 34.335 vs 34.410 on Monday (+0.22 pct) 
Crown/dollar  at 26.220 vs 26.250 (+0.11 pct) 
5-yr govt bond  yield 4.300/4.090 vs 4.298/4.091 pct 
7-yr govt bond  yield 4.300/4.200 vs 4.300/4.200 pct 
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