Market follows trend to post gains

THE ISEQ index rose for a second day in succession yesterday, mirroring gains made across the European markets. At the closing bell the ISEQ was 21.18 points stronger at 5358.63.

Among the financial stocks, AIB gained 6c to finish at €12.79, Anglo Irish Bank weakened to €13.10, while Irish Life & Permanent advanced 7c. Bank of Ireland shed 5c to €10.78. CRH slipped a cent from Thursday’s high, and finished at €18.60. Also in construction, Kingspan fell 3c to €4.80, while Grafton Group remained steady at €6.70.

Providence Resources closed at a year high of 6.7c. Pharmaceutical Company Elan jumped 71c to €16.85, while budget carrier Ryanair was unchanged at €4.50.