Banks lead market higher

THE ISEQ Index of shares closed higher yesterday gaining 25.78 points to 4029.31 points.

The financial sector performed soundly on Friday. Allied Irish Bank added 20c to €12.85 and Bank of Ireland also advanced by gaining 14c to €9.72.

Other financials to close the session higher were Anglo Irish Bank 32c stronger to €6.85, First Active 25c firmer to 5.60 & Irish Life & Permanent up 15c to €10.30. IFG remained unchanged at 42c. The Index of Financial shares closed 147.27 points higher to 7990.07 points. CRH, Europe's third largest building materials company, declined after a leading Dublin stockbroker reduced its forecast for 2003 by 5% and 2004 by 3% CRH fell 15c to €12.15.