Stocks advance reflect buoyant mood

IRISH stocks advanced for the fifth day in six, reflecting the buoyant mood throughout Europe. The ISEQ Index closed 36.54 points higher at 4610.26.

Irish Life & Permanent rose after first half profit increased by 14%, finishing 38c higher at 11.03. Elsewhere in the financials, Anglo Irish Bank climbed 16c to 9.04, while Bank of Ireland declined 10c to 10.70 and Allied Irish Bank eased 2c to 12.60.

CRH recovered somewhat, following Tuesday's fall after the interim results, adding 15c to 16.52. In the food sector, Kerry and IAWS rose by 35c and 15c respectively. The negative movers of the day were Jurys Doyle, down 20c to 9.50. DCC slipped 14c while Grafton Group fell 5c to 4.80.