Slovak crown hits all-time highs on record growth

    BRATISLAVA, Nov 15 (Reuters) - The Slovak crown hit a new 
all-time high to the euro on Wednesday after data showed record 
growth in the third quarter, but the unit closed slightly weaker 
due to quick profit taking, dealers said. 
    The Statistics Office said on Wednesday the Slovak GDP rose 
by real 9.8 percent in the third quarter, according to 
preliminary data, well above the market forecast of 6.6 percent 
economic growth. 
    The crown firmed as far as 35.690 to the euro after the GDP 
release, but it retreated back later in the session to close at 
35.750. It was at 35.800 per euro late on Tuesday. 
    "There is a resistance at 35.750-35.800 for now, but the 
crown is likely to move towards stronger levels again," one 
Bratislava-based foreign bank trader said. 
    Central Bank Governor Ivan Sramko said GDP growth was 
healthy as it appeared to have been based mainly on foreign 
demand rather than on domestic consumption. 
    Analysts said prospects of rising exports would provide 
ground for more crown firming in the future. 
----------------MARKET SNAPSHOT AT 1610 GMT------------------- 
Crown/Euro <EURSKK=> 35.750 vs 35.800 on Tuesday (+0.14 pct) 
Crown/Dollar <SKK=>  27.917 vs 28.457 (+1.96 pct) 
5-yr govt bond <SK5YT=RR> yield 4.425/225 vs 4.400/201 pct 
8-yr govt bond <SK8YT=RR> yield 4.379/179 vs 4.500/4.300 
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  ((Reporting by Martin Santa, editing by Ian Jones; Reuters 
Messaging: martin.santa.reuters.com@reuters.net; +421 5341 
8402)) 
  Keywords: MARKETS SLOVAKIA CROWN CLOSE