Solid performance by bank shares

THE ISEQ Index of Irish shares closed up 56.58 points to 4050.24 yesterday, bucking the trend of European markets.

The main impetus to the solid performance was the strength of the banking shares after Central Bank Governor John Hurley said financial institutions were well covered and remain well capitalised.

Anglo Irish Bank gained 4.25% to €6.62; Allied Irish Bank added 3.37% to €13.18, and Bank of Ireland rose 2.33% to €10.10.