Bank performances boost market

AFTER a sheepish start to the day, the Irish market was spurred upwards with strong performances from the leading banks in the financial sector. The ISEQ Index finished strongly 17.86 points up at 5,439.61.

In the wake of their recent AGM, which resulted in an upbeat outlook for its Irish and British& operations, Bank of Ireland traded solidly, gaining 11c to finish at €10.69.

AIB followed suit to add 6c to the share price to close at €12.37. Anglo were up 17c to €12.87.

Shares in support services group DCC jumped 25c to €14.85 on news of their first quarter results being ahead of expectations, and that the company is well positioned to make an impression on the market in the coming year.

Personal care company IWP remained steady and unchanged at €0.25, ahead of their full year 2004 results today.