ISEQ index sets record high

THE Irish Stock Exchange entered record-breaking territory yesterday as the benchmark ISEQ index set a new all-time high and added over €1 billion to its value.

The ISEQ hit a new record of 6,954, eclipsing the previous peak reached in October, on the back of strong buying of blue-chip banking and construction stocks. It closed at 6,941.

Bloxham Stockbrokers head of equity research Kevin McConnell said investors had now set their sights on sending the ISEQ through the 7,000 milestone, a barrier that was “very likely to be reached” in the near future.