*
Poland rate decision awaited
*
Chinese stocks rise about 1% on improving demand hopes
*
Stocks down 0.2%, FX off 0.1%
By Shashwat Chauhan
May 9 (Reuters) - Most currencies in emerging Europe
held steady against the euro on Thursday, with Poland's zloty at
over three-week lows ahead of a central bank rate decision later
in the day, while Polish stocks outpaced regional peers on
upbeat results.
The zloty held steady at 4.29 per euro, its lowest
level since mid-April ahead of a decision by the central bank,
which is expected to leave rates unchanged at 5.75%.
"The NBP is tipped to leave rates at 5.75% for the seventh
consecutive meeting and guide for policy (to) stay as at present
until the end of the year," Societe Generale strategists said.
"A hawkish hold could tempt sellers of EUR/PLN to have a go
at the April lows near 4.25."
The Czech crown was flat at 24.9 per euro after
data showed March retail sales rose more than expected to 6.1%
against expectations of a 2.7% increase.
Hungary's forint was also flat at 388.4 per euro,
while South Africa's rand gained 0.2% after falling for
the last two sessions.
Currencies in emerging Europe have been under pressure
lately as most central banks in the region stepped up policy
easing amid signs of falling inflation.
As of 0816 GMT, MSCI's index for emerging market currencies
slipped 0.1%, while a gauge for stocks
lost 0.2%.
Poland's WIG 20 stock index advanced 0.7%, boosted
by a 1% rise in PKO BP after the country's biggest bank
beat market expectations for first-quarter net profit.
Russia's rouble-denominated stock index gained
0.1%, while shares in Johannesburg fell 1%.
Helping stave off steep losses on the broader MSCI index,
Chinese bourses closed nearly 1% higher after data showed the
country's exports and imports returned to growth in April after
contracting in the previous month, signalling an encouraging
improvement in demand at home and overseas.
Elsewhere in emerging markets, Malaysia's central bank kept
its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3%, in line with market
expectations.
Later in the day, central bank action will take centre stage
once again with rate verdicts due in Mexico and Peru.
HIGHLIGHTS:
** Turkish central bank lifts 2024 inflation forecast to 38%
** EU envoys agree on law to use profits from frozen Russian
assets for Ukraine, sources say
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