Slovak crown hits record, may weaken before yr-end

    BRATISLAVA, Nov 20 (Reuters) - The Slovak crown firmed to a 
record high to the euro on Monday, and dealers said the unit 
could extend its gains in the coming days before investors book 
their profits near the end of the year. 
    The crown ended at 35.565 to the euro, its all-time high 
versus the single currency, compared with 35.690 early in the 
session. It hit the previous record of 35.580 per euro on 
Thursday. Slovak markets were closed for a holiday on Friday. 
    The crown has firmed by around 1.7 percent to the euro in 
the past week on a combination of positive mood on central 
European markets and supportive domestic factors. 
    The crown's rise accelerated last week after data showed 
record 9.8 percent GDP growth in the third quarter, and 
following comments from a central bank board member that the 
currency was moving in line with economic fundamentals. 
    ING Bank trader Peter Galovich said the main driver for the 
crown on Monday was general inflow of capital to emerging 
markets, and he said more gains were possible in the near 
future. 
    "But, there will be some investors wishing to take profits 
before the end of the year," Galovich said. 
----------------MARKET SNAPSHOT AT 1600 GMT------------------- 
Crown/Euro <EURSKK=> 35.565 vs 35.630 on Thursday 
Crown/Dollar <SKK=>  27.740 vs 28.806 
5-yr govt bond <SK5YT=RR> yield unchanged at 4.426/225 pct 
8-yr govt bond <SK8YT=RR> yield 4.319/120 vs 4.310/4.109 
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 ((Reporting by Peter Laca, editing by Mike Peacock; Reuters 
Messaging: peter.laca.reuters.com@reuters.net; +421 5341 8402)) 
  Keywords: MARKETS SLOVAKIA CROWN CLOSE