Rising market bucks European trend

SHARES across Europe traded in mostly negative territory yesterday. Despite a mixed day’s trading the Irish index bucked the trend, nudging 3.31 points higher at 5177.18.

Drug maker Elan advanced 30c to €16.70. The financials finished lighter overall. AIB and Bank of Ireland fell 8c and 10c respectively. Anglo Irish Bank rose 13c to €13.00. Irish Life and Permanent was up 19c to €13.34.

The construction sector included losses for CRH, down 5c to €16.55 and Grafton who eased 7c to €5.75. In the food sector, Kerry Group and Kingspan traded higher, with the former up 15c to €15.55. Elsewhere, budget carrier Ryanair shed 7c.