Financials in buoyant mood
The financial sector was bucked significantly by Allied Irish Bank’s announcement of an alliance with M&T designed to create a major US regional bank in a deal worth $3.1 billion. Allied Irish Bank’s share price closed 1.02 higher to 12.50. Other financial shares that followed suit by gaining territory yesterday included Bank of Ireland, adding 25c to 10.40, Anglo Irish Bank climbing 23c to 6.20 and Irish Life & Permanent, rising 55c to 11.80. IFG lost 3c to 75c. Overall, the Financial Index of shares closed up 406.83 points to 8122.56 points.
Pharmaceuticals had a positive day, with United Drug finishing 30c higher to 13.15.
