ISEQ closes on firm note

THE ISEQ mirrored bourses across Europe, gaining 17.29 points to 4867.99 as it wound down for the Christmas holidays.

Banks performed solidly, adding 77.37 points. AIB strengthened to 12.57 while Bank of Ireland, who announced a further repurchase of 100,000 shares on Monday, climbed 10c to €10.74. Irish Life & Permanent pushed 55c ahead while Anglo Irish Bank bucked the positive trend, falling for a third day to €12.20.

Elan ended up 9c to €5.50. The pharmaceutical company has now sold more than $1.8 billion of assets to pay down debt and focus on research