Slovak crown hits record peak, more gains likely

    BRATISLAVA, Dec 8 (Reuters) - The Slovak crown hit a record 
high against the euro as it firmed further on Friday, in line 
with gains in the neighbouring Czech market, and dealers said 
more strengthening was on the cards in the short run. 
    The crown rose as high as 35.330 per euro late in the 
session before easing slightly back to 35.370 <EURSKK=> as of 
1540 GMT, up from 35.470 late on Thursday. 
    "Perspectives of the Slovak and Czech economies are bright 
and there is no reason for investors to close positions," said 
VUB bank dealer Laco Benedek. 
    The Czech economy rose 5.8 percent year-on-year in the third 
quarter, data showed on Friday, trailing Slovakia's record 9.8 
percent expansion in the same period. 
    Investors await Tuesday's parliamentary vote on the 2007 
state budget draft, which curbs a ceiling for the fiscal deficit 
to 2.9 percent of GDP, just below the euro adoption limit. 
    Parliament is expected to clear the draft without major 
problems as the leftist government controls a comfortable 
majority in the 150-strong assembly. 
----------------MARKET SNAPSHOT AT 1540 GMT------------------- 
Crown/Euro <EURSKK=> 35.370 vs 35.470 on Thursday (+0.28 pct) 
Crown/Dollar <SKK=> 26.545 vs 26.662 (+0.44) 
5-yr govt bond <SK5YT=RR> yield at 4.350/150 pct 
8-yr govt bond <SK8YT=RR> yield at 4.170/079 pct 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
  ((Reporting by Martin Santa, editing by Gerrard Raven; Reuters 
Messaging: martin.santa.reuters.com@reuters.net; +421 2 5341 
8402)) 
  Keywords: MARKETS SLOVAKIA CROWN AFTERNOON