Financials make slight gains

THE ISEQ index slipped back 7.42 points to 4478.72 yesterday.

The financial market fared slightly better with the financial index climbing 19.01 points to 8955.58. Bank of Ireland gained 10c to €11.93, as Allied Irish Banks fell back 3c to €13.30. Both Anglo Irish Bank and First Active rose by 2c to close at €6.30 and €4.82 respectively. IFG Group closed 5c lower at €1.20 and Irish Life and Permanent fell 10c to €13.70.

In the pharmaceutical sector Elan climbed 15c higher to €3.60 and Galen Holdings fell 20c to €6.70.