Financials spearhead rally

SHARES in Dublin rebounded from their lowest level in nearly four years with an 89.03 point gain to 4042.51.

The financials spearheaded the rally, led by Anglo Irish Bank up 43c to 5.83. Allied Irish Bank surged 34c to 11.26 and Bank of Ireland climbed 34c to 10.24, with both financials recovering from Wednesday’s sharp losses. First Active added 17c to 4.40 following the announcement of a robust set of interim results.

Meanwhile, Irish Life & Permanent finished 5c higher at 12.55, while IFG Group was unchanged at 1.40. Kerry Group shares fell 25c to 14.40, while Fyffes was also lower at 1.33, down 2c.

Positive were IAWS Group up 5c to 7.65 and Greencore added 2c to 2.75. Ryanair advanced 45c to 5.40; Irish Continental Group was 15c firmer at 7.30 and Paddy Power dropped 40c to 4.85.

CRH slipped 15c to 15.45, while DCC was 10c stronger at 10.00. Smurfit shares climbed 9c to 2.83, with over 15 million shares traded.