Daily summary of the Czech economy: the energy sector, Palo Alto Networks, eBay, BDO UK, Net at Work, Slovnaft and the chip shortage (19 February 2026)

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Overview of the latest economic events in the Czech Republic

The Czech economy showed a mixed but mostly positive development, confirming the stabilisation of the domestic market after energy-intensive years. The Prague Stock Exchange gained significantly on Wednesday, with the PX index rising 1.73 per cent to 2,699.88 points. The market thus recorded its third consecutive rise and returned just shy of the 2,700-point mark, below which it fell late last week. The main contributors to the rise were banking titles including Erste Group Bank, Commercial banks a Moneta Money Bank, complemented by the growth of the energy company CEZ, although overall investor activity remained below average.

The energy sector also provided important consumption data. According to the Energy Regulatory Authority, domestic energy consumption started to grow again in 2025. Czechs increased their use of electricity, gas and heat year-on-year, with gas consumption rising by 6.5 per cent. The main factors were cooler weather and gradually falling energy prices. The increase was most pronounced among households, signalling a return to normal economic activity and higher consumer confidence.

At the same time, the macroeconomic outlook remains relatively stable. Analysts warn that the Czech economy may grow by up to around 2.9 percent this year, which limits the scope for rapid interest rate cuts. Mortgage rates are therefore likely to remain close to 4.9 per cent in the coming months, according to current financial analyses.

Foreign investment

The technology sector has seen a significant move by the company Palo Alto Networks, which announced the acquisition of Israeli startup Koi for approximately $400 million. The transaction strengthens the autonomous AI systems security segment and builds on the company's previous large-scale investments in enterprise network cyber protection.

In the e-commerce market, the company also eBay announced an agreement to acquire the Depop platform from Etsy, which represents a strategic strengthening of its position in the second-hand fashion segment and younger customer groups.

The advisory sector also saw significant consolidation, with partners BDO UK a BDO Ireland have approved a merger worth approximately £1.1 billion, which will create a single audit and advisory structure with more than 8,500 employees.

Other transactions included the sale of Western Botanicals to an investment group The Riverside Company, the acquisition of the technology company Aloft by Versaterm or the takeover of OnPar Technologies by Net at Work, confirming the continuing trend of consolidation in the technology and services sectors.

Capital operations of the media group also continue in Europe Sanoma, which on 18 February repurchased its own shares as part of a capital structure optimisation exercise.

Significant events outside the Czech Republic with global impact

Energy security in Central Europe has come under the spotlight after the Slovak refiner Slovnaft halted oil exports to Ukraine. All production is now destined for the domestic market in response to the disruption of Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. A similar move was also announced by Hungary, which made the resumption of exports conditional on the resumption of oil transit. The situation may affect fuel prices and logistics in Central Europe.

At the same time, global technology markets are facing new pressure due to a shortage of memory chips. According to Bloomberg analysis, massive investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure is leading to a sharp rise in memory prices, which is gradually being reflected in the prices of computers, smartphones and cars. The development may slow down the manufacturing sector in Europe, including the Czech automotive industry, which depends on electronic components.

Another signal of consolidation in the global economy is coming from the mining industry, where management Glencore has reopened the debate about a possible mega-merger with the company Rio Tinto, which, if implemented, would be one of the largest transactions in the history of the raw materials sector.

gnews.cz - GH

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