Lithuanian bourse leads world indexes

Last week the Lithuanian stock market bucked global market moves as
its shares posted gains while share prices fell on the major
exchanges of New York, London and Moscow.

In Russia share prices fell heavily, with many stocks on the RTS
falling between 15 percent and 20 percent over the week.

In Estonia and Latvia major stocks fell between five and six percent.
In Estonia share prices fell in relatively heavy trading, while in
Latvia the market was relatively quiet with an average daily turnover
of about $60,000.

The rise in the Lithuanian market was driven mostly by the announced
merger of the country's top two private banks - Vilniaus and Hermis
banks. There was interest in several other shares as well, and
speculation continues to surround a possible purchase of Ukio Bank.

Despite its share decline this week, Russia's market remains the top
percentage gainer, up 43 percent since the beginning of the year. The
Polish, Lithuanian and Estonian markets are up 15 percent to 25
percent.

Latvia remains the odd market out, with the DJRSE index having
plunged 25.3 percent since the beginning of the year and the RICI
index 15.7 percent.