Financials lead robust market

SHARES climbed for the second consecutive day with the banking stocks holding up the market. The ISEQ rose 4.79 points to 6811.39.

The financial sector jumped 94.14 points overall ahead of Anglo Irish Bank’s final results due today and Bank of Ireland’s results expected tomorrow. AIB advanced 30c to €17.66 while Bank of Ireland added 17c to €13.19. In the second line, Anglo Irish gave up 8c to €11.15 while Irish Life and Permanent shed 23c to €15.30.

Food stocks finished the day lower with C&C Group 16c lower at €5.03 while IAWS and Greencore slipped, down 7c and 5c. Kerry also ended in negative territory, 25c lower at €18.20.

Other movers included Elan, which succumbed to profit taking, dipping 48c to €8.52. Ryanair firmed 5c to €7.42. Construction giant CRH closed up 9c at €22.65.