German think-tank rates Poland and Hungary as top markets in Central Europe

According to the German Institute for Economic Research, Poland and Hungary have the best developed financial markets in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Analysts say both countries have adjusted their financial law to the European Union (EU) standards and have very well functioning stock exchanges. However most companies in EU candidate countries are financially independent using less foreign capital, lack attractive financial instruments and have relatively small competition on the markets. It is advisable, say the analysts, that Polish companies take fewer loans and enter the stock exchange to gain capital. (Puls Biznesu, page 9) J.K