Record trading day on markets

THE Irish stock market hit a fresh high again yesterday, bursting through the 7,000 point barrier for the first time.

The ISEQ closed at 7,002.08 last night, rising by more than 1% on the day as financial stocks continued to gain ground and boost the overall index.

Investors in Irish shares have done well in the past year, with the market up 12% since the start of 2004 and further gains are expected.