CPI grew sharply more than market expected.

Consumer price index in Czech Republic increased by 5% in November. Market expected 4,5%. Mainly lifted by food inflation. For beginning of 2008 expectations are bit higher now (CPI 6%). Recently Czech National Bank - CNB- increased main interest rate benchmark to 3,5%. With last released CPI data we are again out of inflation targets followed by CNB. Inflation target is 3% with range +/- 1%. On the other side Czech currency Koruna is at strongest level against EUR, USD and therefore any other interest rate hike could hit dramatically Czech export.