ISEQ moves up as Europe slips

SHARES in Dublin defied the negative trend across the rest of Europe, advancing 49.01 points to 4350.44.

Allied Irish Bank was the best performer of the financial stocks, adding 40c to 12.70. Also higher was Bank of Ireland, gaining 13c to 10.20, and Anglo Irish Bank, up 3c to 7.93. Irish Life & Permanent was 7c weaker at 9.65.

Construction firm CRH continued its recent good run, finishing 25c firmer at 15.45. United Drug, which recently extended its British presence with the purchase of Mantis Surgical, gained 25c to 14.50. DCC fell 15c to 10.50, as several analysts downgraded the stock after the company’s profit warning earlier in the week. Elsewhere, budget airline Ryanair slipped 5c to 5.73.