ISEQ up slightly

The ISEQ index of Irish shares enjoyed a modest gain today, inching up 18.18 points to 2,908.29.

In the financial sector, both Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland gained 3c to €1.12 and €1.22 respectively. Irish Life & Permanent lost 7c to €3.03.

There were some decent gains, with Irish Continental Group the big winner, enjoying a 30c jump to €14.50. DCC gained 25c to €19.90 and CRH improved 15c to €16.97.

Some firms held the index back from more impressive growth, however. Icon (down 31c to €17.73), FBD (down 14c to €5.85) and Kerry Group (down 10c to €20.50) all finished in the red.