Financials boost ensures ISEQ climb

THE Irish market traded higher yesterday with the main thrust coming from the financials. The ISEQ index closed 2.35 points higher at 4789.42.

Bank of Ireland, who announced the repurchase of 550,000 shares on Tuesday, performed strongly yesterday, up 11c to 11.52. Rivals AIB also had a solid day, unchanged. Irish Life and Permanent slipped 6c to 12.24 following yesterday's gains.

Pharmaceutical giants Elan rose 5c to 4.80 after it bought back its liquid yield option notes due in 2018. In the food sector, Kerry Group rose 15c. Elsewhere Ryanair edged 20c higher to 6.60 while CRH fell 10c to 15.65.