RATING - The Czech National Bank (ČNB) ranks among the best central banks in Central and Eastern Europe, according to a survey by Reuters. The ČNB received eight out of a possible 10 points by 26 renowned economists, who evaluated central banks in the region on their ability to communicate clearly. The Hungarian central bank ranked second with seven points.

BUDGET - The state budget boasted a 10 billion Kč ($412 million) surplus in August, a 60.7 billion Kč increase from the same period last year, the Finance Ministry said. It was the best figure for August in the last 10 years. The government is working to keep the budget deficit at or below 4.6 percent of GDP in an effort to comply with European Union directives, one of which relates to euro adoption.

TRADER - Wood & Company, a brokerage house, was the largest securities trader on the Prague Stock Exchange in August for the second month in a row despite a significant decrease in overall trading turnover. The firm announced a turnover of 29.4 billion Kč for the month. Patria Finance, one of its rivals, posted turnover of 27.1 billion Kč.

CONTRACT - ČSOB signed a contract Sept. 1 with Česká pošta for providing banking services at post offices until 2017. The bank is looking for new ways to increase the market share of its Poštovní spořitelna unit. It is considering offering credit card holders the opportunity to get cash back when making small, everyday purchases.

BONDS - The government plans to issue 37 billion Kč in bonds in the fourth quarter, the Finance Ministry said Sept. 1. The bonds, issued in crowns and intended to finance the state budget deficit, will mature in three to 15 years. The state budget gap for 2005 is projected at 83.6 billion Kč.

EURO - Prime Minister Jiří Paroubek said Sept. 5 that he favors euro adoption in 2010 instead of 2009. The Finance Ministry is also in favor of entering the euro zone in 2010, though the country was slated to join a year earlier.

TAX - Leaders of the Civic Democrats said Sept. 4 they will suggest lowering the excise tax on gas in an effort to offset the recent sharp increase in fuel prices. Stanislav Gross, chairman of the ruling Social Democrats, said that the proposal is populist and that his party will not support it.