Irish stocks could hit 8,500

THE Irish Stock Exchange could hit 8,500 by the end of 2006, according to a forecast by Davy Stockbrokers.

That is almost 18% higher than the current level of the index, Davy's head of research Robbie Kelleher says. He believes that the growth is possible if Irish companies meet his price expectations.

Davy says the Irish equity market seems set to finish the year on a strong note, having risen by over 5% so far in December.