Positive news pushes market higher

THERE were gains across Europe yesterday in line with positive overnight news from Wall Street. Ireland continued the positive trend, as the heavyweight stocks pushed the Dublin market 38.75 points higher at 5427.76.

Rivals AIB and Bank of Ireland firmed 11c and 23c respectively. The former finished at €12.37 ahead of next week’s interim results. Irish Life & Permanent and Anglo-Irish also ended the day in positive territory.

In the construction sector, leaders CRH also helped to boost the ISEQ on foot of encouraging reports of buoyancy in the property, construction and builder's supply markets, strengthening 21c to €18.25.