ISEQ strength continues
AIB and Bank of Ireland continued their strong performance. This share price strength has been buoyed by speculation of the potential inclusion for the two main Irish banks in the DJ Euro Stoxx 50 Index on September 2.
AIB surged ahead 45c to close at 14.40 and Bank of Ireland added 20c to finish at 12.80. Other financial companies in positive territory included Anglo Irish Bank, gaining 30c to 6.30, and First Active and Irish Life & Permanent, adding 5c to close at 4.80 and 12.25 respectively. The ISEQ Financial Index gained 212.76 points to close at 9381.97.
Pharmaceutical company Galen Holdings advanced 20c to close at 6.35 after impressive third-quarter earnings. Waterford Wedgwood Plc lost 2c to 55c, Ryanair rose 23c to 6.26 and Iona Technologies lost 45c to close at 2.00.
