Financials have a good day

THE ISEQ index of Irish shares closed 26.50 points higher at 4499.36 yesterday.

The financials had a good day overall. Bank of Ireland added 6c to 12.20, Anglo Irish Bank closed 2c firmer at 6.22, while Irish Life & Permanent closed 50c stronger at 13.55. Allied Irish Banks was down 15c to 13.40.

Overall, the ISEQ Financial index closed 24.52 points higher at 9043.50.

Food stocks were mixed, with Kerry adding 13c to 15.18 and Glanbia 3c to the good at 1.58. Greencore shed a cent to 2.70, while Fyffes was also a cent off at 1.41.

Construction heavyweight CRH lost 11c to 15.30. Grafton put on 12c to 4.40. Elan gained 60c to 2.75 after assurances by chairman Dr Garo Armen that the company was on the right track to recovery.

Other positive movers included Paddy Power up 5c to 5.48, Jurys Doyle 10c higher at 8.80 and DCC up 42 to 11.15. Negative were McInerney down 4c to 2.26, while Irish Continental Group lost 20c to 6.60.