Financials show strength

THE ISEQ closed higher yesterday, gaining 54.71 to 4346.10.

The financial shares performed strongly. Allied Irish Bank Plc added 24c to €14.24 and Anglo Irish Bank Corp Plc followed suit by rising 18c to €6.84.

First Active Plc closed the day in positive territory by 5c to close at €5.25. Irish Life & Permanent Plc lost 10c to €11.90 and Bank of Ireland also finished the session marginally lower by falling 3c to €10.82. IFG lost a cent to 54c. The ISEQ Financial Index closed 65.12 points higher to 8788.36 points. The pharmaceutical sector had a positive day.

Elan Corporation Plc climbed 34c to €2.39 and United Drug also improved significantly by adding 30c to €12.40. Galen closed the day 15c higher to €7.50.

Elsewhere, on a positive day for ISEQ shares, noteworthy movers included Ryanair up 30c to €7.80, Iona Technologies Plc and Paddy Power Plc gaining 27c to €2.90 and € 5.00 respectively and Conduit 25c higher to €2.40. Donegal Creameries fell 8c to €2.00.