Daily summary of the Czech economy: Dukovany and KHNP, JERA, Banco Santander, OLB and Crédit Mutuel, Brent and gold (17 February 2026)

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Overview of the latest economic events in the Czech Republic

The Czech economy entered the new week with several major industrial and capital news. The energy sector remains a key theme, with preparations continuing for the project to build two new nuclear units at Dukovany. These are to be built by a Korean company KHNP, and according to Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček, the work is progressing according to the planned schedule. The negotiations between the Czech and Korean sides also included the possibility of a joint project focused on lithium mining and processing, which could significantly strengthen the Czech Republic's strategic position in the battery industry and electromobility.

The capital sector also sent positive signals. The Prague Stock Exchange strengthened at the beginning of the week, with the PX index rising 0.33 percent to 2,650.25 points. The growth of the index was mainly driven by Austrian financial titles. On the other hand, energy companies CEZ a Commercial Bank have seen a decline in share value. The biggest gains were recorded by the arms manufacturer Colt CZ, whose shares rose by more than three percent, confirming the steady interest of investors in the defence industry.

At the same time, the domestic economy is supported by stable investment activity and continued modernisation of the industrial base, particularly in the energy, arms and financial services sectors. Developments on the Prague Stock Exchange indicate continued investor confidence in the Central European region.

Foreign investment

A significant trend in recent days is the continuing wave of international acquisitions and investment transactions. JERA has completed the acquisition of gas assets in the Haynesville area of Louisiana, USA. The transaction, valued at approximately $1.5 billion, included the acquisition of assets from Williams a GeoSouthern Energy and strengthened the company's position JERA in the U.S. liquefied natural gas market.

At the same time, the European banking sector is showing increased consolidation activity. Banco Santander sold its Polish operations to a banking group Erste Bank worth around €7 billion.

Another major transaction was the takeover of a Portuguese bank Novo Banco French group BPCE worth €6.4 billion. The consolidation trend was also confirmed by the acquisition of a German bank OLB by the French banking group Crédit Mutuel for around €1.8 billion. These deals show the growing pressure to strengthen the capital strength of European banks and their expansion into foreign markets.

Investment activity in the energy and banking sectors confirms that international capital continues to seek stable opportunities, with European financial institutions benefiting from rising profitability and a more stable macroeconomic environment.

Significant events outside the Czech Republic with global impact

Global markets in mid-February are mainly affected by commodity price developments and geopolitical tensions. The price of oil rose, with North Sea Brent crude oil gaining around 1.33 per cent and US WTI crude oil adding around 1.29 per cent. The rise in oil prices is mainly related to expectations of the outcome of the negotiations between the United States and Iran on the nuclear programme, which may affect the future supply of oil on world markets.

Precious metals, on the other hand, recorded a decline. The price of gold fell by around 0.85 per cent and silver weakened by around two per cent, linked to the strengthening of the US dollar and increased investor caution. Commodity price developments have a major impact on inflation, energy costs and the investment strategies of businesses around the world.

At the same time, the global economy is being affected by slower growth in the Japanese economy and ongoing geopolitical tensions related to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. These factors increase the volatility of financial markets and force investors to diversify their portfolios.

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