Proposal - The Social Democrats' (CSSD's) newest tax proposal won nearly unanimous support during the first reading in Parliament. Despite former criticism of the CSSD's suggestions, the Civic Democrats (ODS) supported the measure. ODS MP Vlastimil Tlusty´ indicated it was a tiny step toward what is needed. The ODS will try to lower taxes even further during the parliamentary debate.

ONLINE - The Czech Banking Association is working on an online database that will offer a comparison of banking fees. The database may also include a comparison of lending rates. It is not yet clear whether the site will be hosted by the banking association, the Czech National Bank or the Finance Ministry.

BANKRUPT - The number of bankruptcies in the country has steadily decreased since 2001, and the trend should continue, according to a study by insurance company Euler Hermes. Experts expect the rate to drop 8 percent year on year to 1,350 in 2005. The study is based on a global database, which contains information on more than 40 million companies.

RETAIL - Retail sales rose 4.3 percent in the first half of the year and 3 percent in June alone. Research and consulting company Incoma Research says buyers are moving toward spending more on luxury goods and services. Car purchases are one example where buyers are moving into the midrange category.

INSURANCE - Insurance company Aviva said it collected 325 million Kc ($13.6 million) in premiums in the first half of this year, leading to a year-on-year increase of 48 percent. At the end of June, profits reached 6.5 million Kc compared to a loss last year of 19.4 million Kc. Aviva has operated in the Czech Republic since 1997.

POWER PRICES - Prime Minister Jirí Paroubek, Industry and Trade Minister Milan Urban and Energy Regulatory Office Chairman Josef Firt have agreed not to allow the price of electricity for Czech households to increase by more than 10 percent next year. The ministry's estimate is lower than what some experts say. They predict the price rising up to 25 percent.