Czech bourse closes at all-time high

...group CME .

The PX index finished at 1,634.5 points, up 0.96 percent on the day, beating the Dec. 18, 2006 record close of 1,626.1 points.

"The first session of the week was marked by optimism brought to Europe by the surprisingly positive Friday close on U.S. markets," said brokers Cyrrus in a report.

Traders said CME shares, which rose 2.43 percent to 1,809 crowns, were supported by the share's Friday gains on its primary market, the Nasdaq.

Erste gained 1.54 percent to 1,646 crowns, while Telefonica rose 1.36 percent to 514 crowns.

Power firm CEZ , the market's largest stock, said it was sticking to its 2006 profit forecast despite unseasonably warm weather in the fourth quarter. The stock closed 0.95 percent up at 907.5 crowns.

Traders said the centre-right government's victory in a parliamentary confidence vote on Friday may have also helped general sentiment.

[PRAGUE/Reuters/Finance.cz]