Optimism on war’s end boosts prices

THE Irish market rallied yesterday, mirroring those in Europe, as optimism grows that the war in Iraq may be drawing to a conclusion.

The ISEQ index closed 46.94 points higher at 4056.04.

The financial stocks all gained ground with Irish Life & Permanent leading the way, adding 34c to 9.77 and Anglo Irish Bank advancing 15c to 6.70. Allied Irish Bank finished 17c stronger at 13.05.

Ryanair rose 4.2% to 6.46 as positive figures from Easy Jet showed the strength of the low cost airline industry.