ISEQ closed up on a high

THE ISEQ closed 26.80 points higher at 4231.78 ahead of the bank holiday.

The main contributor to this gain came from the bigger banking stocks in the financial sector. Allied Irish Bank added 50c to 12.55 and Bank of Ireland closed 35c stronger at 11.65. Weaker, however, were Anglo Irish Bank closing 32c weaker at 6.00 and Irish Life and Permanent 10c off at 12.20. Overall the ISEQ Financial index was 234.62 points higher at 8568.15.

Ryanair, who are due to release Q1 results next Tuesday closed 25c weaker at 5.90. Hotel stocks were again weaker as fears over the poor weather and crises in the tourism sector. Jury's Doyle lost 35c while Gresham was steady at 80c.

The food stocks had poor day overall despite a 30c gain for Kerry Group to 13.60. Glanbia was a cent off at 1.30 while Greencore declined by 5c to 2.74. Other movers were CRH down 11c to 14.69, Kingspan down 5 to 1.95 and Independent News and Media 4c lighter at 1.61.