Market continues upward trend

THE Irish Market posted a second successive day of gains rising 20.77 points to close at 6090.81.

Heavyweight AIB's shares traded up a marginal 2c to €14.72. Similarly Bank of Ireland showed little movement on €11.78 down 1c, with nearly two million shares changing hands. In contrast Anglo Irish Bank advanced 50c to €17.85 while Irish Life & Permanent slipped 5c to €13.10.

In construction, CRH dropped 4c to €19.35, despite news from the US that house sales are to rise 7.9% in the coming year. Book-maker Paddy Power traded flat losing 10c to €10.70. Budget Carrier Ryanair shed 10 to 5.30 after a week of riding high, some investor profit-taking being apparent here. Food group Kerry rose 20c to €18.50.