Surging Grafton fuels market rise

SHARES in Dublin closed 36.04 points higher to 6373.05 yesterday. The ISEQ was at its highest level since June, 2001. The financials and Grafton Group were the main catalysts for the rise.

Grafton group jumped 48c to an all-time high of €8.60 after a bid for Heitons was declared unconditional. Heitons also climbed to €7.70. Elsewhere in construction, CRH saw €2.09 million shares traded and slipped 8c to €19.75, while Kingspan was up 5c to €7.35.

The financial sector had a very positive day with AIB 15c stronger at €15.40 and Bank of Ireland adding 6c to €12.34. In the second line, Anglo surged ahead 40c to €18.90, while Irish Life and Permanent rose 28c to €14.50. Elan firmed 8c to €20.90 while Ryanair rose 7c to €5.65.