Banks, builders help to boost index

ON a bullish day across Europe, shares in Dublin advanced for the second day.

Financials and construction led the charge as the index climbed 60.74 points to 6081.92.

The builders helped lift the market following yesterday’s Budget announcement of a cut in stamp duty rates for first-time buyers. Abbey firmed 4c to €7.97, while Kingspan and Heiton gained 10c and 15c respectively. CRH strengthened to €19.25.

AIB firmed 10c to €14.97. Bank of Ireland rebounded from Wednesday’s losses, up 22c to €11.69. Anglo-Irish and Irish Life & Permanent also had healthy gains.

Elsewhere, budget carrier Ryanair rose 25c to €5.55. Elan dropped to €19.87 while Eircom slipped 1c to €1.65.