ISEQ higher for third consecutive day

The ISEQ index edged slightly higher for the third consecutive day. At the close of business the Dublin exchange had climbed 3.56 points to 7154.27.

Financial stocks were stronger finishing 58.62 points higher overall. AIB jumped 21c to €18.14, while Bank of Ireland dropped 5c to €13.75 following an announcement that it is to outsource 180 jobs to Accenture. Irish Life and Permanent climbed 11c to €17.08 ahead of its pre-close trading statement later this week, with Anglo-Irish adding 5c.

Construction stocks were also firmer. CRH gained 5c to €23.80; Kingspan climbed 3c to €10.63 while Grafton was 20c higher at €8.77. McInerney was unchanged at €9.60.