Slovak crown nears high, more gains seen

    BRATISLAVA, Oct 5 (Reuters) - The Slovak crown <EURSKK=> 
extended its gains against the euro on Thursday as foreign 
investors poured more capital into the market, with dealers 
saying it could test a 37.00 per euro resistance level. 
    The crown has firmed by 0.76 percent this week, driven by 
investors' renewed appetite and a calming of nerves from 
political jitters in neighbouring countries. 
    The crown traded at 37.100 to the euro as of 1550 GMT, up 
0.2 percent from 37.175 late on Wednesday. 
    "The 37.000-37.050 per euro level should provide a 
resistance for the crown. But if it can break the (record) 
36.900 per euro level, it might move significantly lower 
(firmer)," said Tatra Banka analyst Elizej Macho. 
    Macho added the 2007 state budget draft and politics were 
the key risks for the currency, but expected the crown to hit 
the 36.500 per euro level by the end of the year. 
    The government is expected to approve a 2007 budget outline 
next week. It must be submitted to parliament by October 15. 
----------------MARKET SNAPSHOT AT 1550 GMT------------------- 
Crown/Euro <EURSKK=> 37.100 vs 37.175 (+0.20 pct) on Wednesday 
Crown/Dollar <SKK=>  29.270 vs 29.300 (+0.12) 
5-yr govt bond <SK5YT=RR> yield 4.922/4.622 
9-yr govt bond <SK9YT=RR> yield 4.481/4.280 
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 ((Reporting by Martin Santa, editing by Mike Peacock; 
martin.santa@reuters.com; Reuters Messaging: 
martin.santa.reuters.com@reuters.net; +421-2 5341 8402)) 
  Keywords: MARKETS SLOVAKIA CROWN CLOSE