Market bucks downward trend

SHARES in Dublin gained, in contrast with British and European bourses. The ISEQ advanced 5.76 to 6720.55.

AIB gained 4c at €17.30 while Bank of Ireland shed 16c to €12.79. Anglo Irish and Irish Life and Permanent rose, up 24c and 25c.

In construction, CRH gained 10c to €20.05 following results from peer company Heidelbergcement reporting a 10% increase in sales and a 27% increase in operating profits. Grafton Group also gained, adding 7c to €8.51. On the losing side, Kingspan dipped 5c to €10.17.