Bourse follows global gains

AS world markets gained yesterday the ISEQ followed with an 77.04 point rise to 3980.48.

With the market trying to anticipate Bank of Ireland's next move in relation to its interest in Abbey National, the banks were stronger.

Allied Irish Bank led the way with a 78c gain to 12.98 while Bank of Ireland followed with a 17c rise to 10.10. Irish Life and Permanent added 5 to 12.05 while Anglo Irish Bank closed 2c higher to 6.22. Overall the ISEQ Financial index added 260.02 points to 8170.00