Markets higher following US data

European bourses were all in positive territory yesterday as the US July Non-Farm Payrolls report came in better than analysts had expected, thus pushing US and European markets higher.

The likelihood of the Spanish government making a formal request to Europe for aid as the country continues to find it difficult to refinance its debt. The Iseq index lifted 29.41 points to finish the week at 3,177.06.

Financial stocks were mixed. AIB shed 0.3c to 5c, Bank of Ireland added 0.4c to 10c while Permanent TSB Group remained unchanged at 2.3c. Irish insurer FBD Holdings climbed 10.9c to €8.10.

The construction sector was broadly better. CRH gained 26.5c to €14.89 and Grafton Group moved 14c ahead to finish at €2.95. Kingspan followed the trend, tacking on 7c to €6.65.