Financial stocks back in favour

SHARES in Dublin continued to advance yesterday, gaining 47.29 points to close at 4642.17.

Following Monday's modest showing, financials were back in favour as AIB and Bank of Ireland finished the day strongly at €12.98 and €10.55 respectively. Irish Life and Permanent advanced 5c to €11.40, while Anglo Irish Bank rose 15c to €9.35. First Active climbed 16c to €4.90.

In the pharmaceutical sector, Elan, which reports results today, jumped 17c, hitting €5.52, while Galen surged 20c to €9.45.