Market posts broad-based gains

THE ISEQ index gained ground on the day mirroring bourses across Europe. Shares in Dublin closed up 17.51 points to finish at 6182.01.

In the financial sector, heavyweight AIB had a positive day climbing 30c to €16.70. Rival, Bank of Ireland remained steady at €12.55. Anglo-Irish and Irish Life & Permanent both climbed, up 4c and 15c respectively.

CRH’s Liam O’Mahony was named Europe’s number one chief executive in the construction sector. The stock rose 19c to €20.99. Grafton also rose 22c to €9.55.

Elsewhere, pharmaceutical company Elan rose 30c on the day to €3.25, after positive news from previous mono-therapy trials in the now suspended MS drug Tysabri. Low-cost Airline Ryanair strengthened by 4c to €6.20 with 1.3 million shares dealt.