Index climbs above 4,000

The ISEQ index of shares climbed back above the 4,000 level, gaining 20.39 points to 4003.53.

The banking stocks were mixed with Irish Life and Permanent the main climber, rising 15c to 10.15.

Anglo Irish Bank added 3c to 6.53 while Allied Irish Bank and First Active both gained 5c to finish at 12.65 and 5.35 respectively. Bank of Ireland was weaker, falling 2c to 9.58 and IFG Group dropped 7c to 42c. Overall the financial index of shares rose 20.78 points to 7842.80.

The food sector moved ahead yesterday with Kerry Group gaining 10c to 12.70 and IAWS advancing 10c to 7.60. Donegal Creameries and Greencore both added a cent to 2.68 and 2.28 respectively. Fyffes was unchanged at 1.28 despite releasing a positive trading statement on Wednesday.

Riverdeep climbed 7c to 1.20 following increased speculation its chief executive officer Barry O'Callaghan will soon announce a takeover offer for the company.