Banks lead as ISEQ continues climb

SHARES in Dublin advanced for the fifth consecutive day.

Led by the financials, the ISEQ climbed 27.38 points to 6783.16, continuing on from Monday’s record close.

With a rise of almost 1.19%, leaders AIB firmed 19c to 16.14. The company announced that it’s in talks about a possible sale and leaseback of its Dublin head office.

Rivals Bank of Ireland were up 21c, while Anglo-Irish and Irish Life & Permanent closed higher at 20.23 and 14.60 respectively. There was heavy trading in Eircom. With over 8 million shares traded, the company gave up 6c. In construction, leaders CRH strengthened 11c while Grafton added 5c to close at 10.45.

Other movers included C&C, who ended the session 7c to the good. On the downside, IAWS fell 14c, while budget carrier Ryanair was 4c lower at 6.44. Elsewhere, drug company Elan was hit for 1c, ending the day at 21.00.