Financials regain losses

SHARES regained Thursday's losses on yesterday with a 33.32 point gain to 4400.98.

The thrust of this gain came from the banking sector. Allied Irish Bank traded in good volume, adding 23c to 13.20. Bank of Ireland surged 32c to 11.92, with Anglo Irish Bank 6c stronger at 6.46. Irish Life and Permanent eased 10c to 13.20, while First Active was unchanged at 4.85. The ISEQ Financial index 151.53 points stronger at 8906.83. Elsewhere, CRH was 9c weaker at 14.55, while Kingspan rebounded from a five-year low on Thursday to close 12c firmer at 2.00. The food stocks had a mixed day. Kerry Group finished 5c higher at 15.35, while Greencore lost 4c to 2.69. Fyffes added 2c to 1.48 ahead of releasing its interim results on Monday. Other movers on the day were Jurys Doyle up 5c to 8.85 and Alphyra 14c higher at 0.95. Elan gained 20c to 3.20, while the stock was trading 8 cents higher at $2.96 in New York at lunchtime.