Financials provide fuel for advance

IRISH stocks rose for the second consecutive day. The ISEQ ended the day 26.65 points higher at 6056.60 with the banking stocks the main catalysts for the rise.

Market leader AIB surged ahead following press reports that its chief executive had considered a merger with M&T Bank at the height of disclosures of overcharging and tax irregularities last year. At the closing bell the stock had advanced 29c to €16.40.

Bank of Ireland was also up 4c to €12.12. On the second line Anglo-Irish advanced 15c while Irish Life and Permanent jumped 20c to €13.40.