Solid gains made by banks

THE Irish Index of shares recovered 24.58 points yesterday, to close at 3863.1.

The banks made good gains and the financial market rose 104.6 points to 7913.59.

Allied Irish Banks climbed 20c higher to €12.30 and Bank of Ireland rose 10c to €9.95. First Active closed 20c higher at €4.60 and Anglo Irish Bank gained 4c to finish at €6.09. Irish Life & Permanent closed 10c higher at €11.60 and IFG Group rose 15c to €0.85. Following the stock’s recent fall, CRH gained 20c to close at €11.55.