Bourse continues climb

The Irish market climbed for a second consecutive day in line with the major European bourses. The ISEQ index rose 58.25 points to close at 4238.17.

The financials followed on from Tuesday’s gains with Allied Irish Bank soaring 44c to 13.54 and Bank of Ireland adding 28c to 10.52. Anglo Irish Bank finished 10c stronger at 6.92, Irish Life and Permanent rose 4c to 10.94 while First Active was unchanged at 5.30. The ISEQ financial index advanced 203.14 points to 8440.54.

Ryanair fell 26c following the news that the EC is to launch an inquiry into the practice of offering subsidies. In the construction sector CRH gained 20c to 13.40 and Grafton Group added 6c to 3.65 after releasing an upbeat trading statement yesterday afternoon.