Daily summary of the Czech economy: housing, CSG, Airwallex and Paynuri, Capital One, Holcim, Škoda Auto and India (26 January 2026)

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Overview of the latest economic events in the Czech Republic

The Czech economy enters 2026 with continued pressure on housing prices and increased investor interest in the capital market. According to an analysis by real estate platform UlovDomov.cz, the rent in the Czech Republic at the end of 2025 by 16 % year-on-year to 19 529 CZK, with a further increase of 4 %. The important fact remains that mortgage repayments are still in many cases almost twice as high as the monthly rent, which limits the availability of owner-occupied housing and strengthens the rental segment of the market.

The domestic capital market was dominated by an event related to the group Czechoslovak Group (CSG), which successfully floated on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. After the IPO, the market value of the company moved above EUR 30 billion, which makes it one of the most important Czech companies traded on foreign markets. CSG intends to use the acquired capital primarily to further acquisitions in the defence and engineering industries and to strengthen its global presence.

Investor attention continues to focus on companies CEZ, Commercial Bank and other key titles on the Prague Stock Exchange, where economic results and dividend policy developments are expected to have a major impact on market performance in the first few months of the year.

Foreign investment

Global investment activity remains high and is characterised by a strong recovery in the M&A market. Fintech company Airwallex has announced the takeover of a South Korean payments firm Paynuri, strengthening its position in the Asia-Pacific region and expanding its range of international payment services.

In the banking sector, the agreement under which the US bank Capital One takes over a fintech company Brex in a transaction valued at USD 5.15 billion. The acquisition is aimed at expanding digital payment solutions for corporate clients and confirms the trend of convergence between traditional banking and technology companies.

Construction group Holcim also announced that it plans to carry out up to 15 small and medium-sized acquisitions, especially in the fields of building materials, recycling and sustainable technologies. These steps show the growing emphasis of investors on infrastructure and green projects.

Significant events outside the Czech Republic with global impact

The major global economic news is the shift in trade negotiations between European Union and India. India intends to reduce tariffs on EU car imports from the current 110 % to 40 %, which is seen as a key step towards a free trade agreement. This step would significantly improve the access of European producers to the Indian market.

The carmaker already operates in the Indian market Skoda Auto, which is responsible for the Group's activities in India Volkswagen. It is expected that tariff reductions could lead to increased investment in manufacturing, expanded supply chains and increased competition in the global automotive industry.

Overall, the global economic environment remains dynamic, with the growing importance of trade agreements, investments and strategic acquisitions, which will fundamentally influence the development of global and Czech markets in the coming months.

gnews.cz - GH

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