Market makes up some lost ground

THE Irish market made up some lost ground from Monday’s session, posting a gain of 25.98 to push forward to 5306.24.

The main focus of the day’s trading was on construction group Grafton, who closed 35c up at €6.30. They issued a trading statement indicating they expected group profits for the half year to be ahead of expectations.

There was little interest in the financial sector in terms of volume, but the heavyweights traded solidly regardless. AIB added 7c to end at €12.17. Bank of Ireland were also resilient at €10.70, up 10c, in spite of the recent rate increase in Britain. Anglo were up 10c to €13.25. Pharmaceutical firm Elan finished at €17.79, shedding just 1c.