Financials drive market upwards

THE Irish market started brightly with the ISEQ Index rising 34.51 points to close at 5404.83.

Heavyweight financial AIB was amongst the best performers, advancing 12c to €12.69. Bank of Ireland finished 2c up at €10.68. Anglo were weak with thin trading volume, slipping 4c to €13.30.

Ryanair were the main talking point on news of the budget carrier concluding an agreement with Brussels Charleroi airport and the Walloon authorities which will allow its low fares base to remain with no change to the base cost. They were up 10c to €5.30. Elan continued its surge upwards, finishing a healthy 34c up at €16.94.