Mixed fortunes for financials

THE ISEQ index traded higher throughout the day, and finished 32.68 points stronger at 6149.61, its second consecutive rise.

Among the financial stocks, Bank of Ireland gained 11c to €12.68 while AIB fell back 7c to close at €16.30. Anglo-Irish finished down 4c to €19.85, while Irish Life & Permanent added 7c to €13.97.

The construction sector was stronger. CRH saw over 2.2 million shares traded and gained 20c to €20.85, as the dollar continued to strengthen against the euro. Grafton Group rose 6c to €9.35, while Kingspan nudged ahead 2c.