Slovenian Stocks Extend Losses, Shadow European Markets

The blue-chip SBITOP index of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange (LJSE) fell 0.56% to 1,575.26 points. The broader 15-share SBI20 index shed 0.59% to 7,006.84.

European stocks fell for a second day running on Wednesday after the European Commission lowered its forecast for the European Union's economic growth in 2008.

Six of the LJSE blue chips fell and four rose.

The biggest decliner among the SBITOP constituents was fuel trader Petrol with a 1.89% drop to an average price of 474.83 euro, as over 300 shares changed hands.

Logistics company Intereuropa was the biggest blue-chip gainer on Wednesday. Its stock bounced back 1.17% to 22.49 euro in volume of over 100 shares.

State-controlled top insurer Zavarovalnica Triglav lost 2.04% to 48.05 euro in its second day of trading on the LJSE. Triglav dissappointed investors at its debut on Tuesday as its stock price fell below market expectations, dragging down the whole market.

LJSE's total turnover fell to 2.3 million euro ($3.2 million) from 2.94 million euro on Tuesday.

Heavyweight blue-chip drug maker Krka was once again the most liquid stock on the market. It fell 0.28% to 87.74 euro in volume of almost 6,500 shares.

($ = 0.7128 euro)