Financial sector fuels market rise

SHARES in the Irish market finished marginally ahead as the banking stocks buoyed up the index. The ISEQ added 9.81 points to 6415.99.

The financial sector rose 39.20 points overall with moderate trading levels.

AIB bounced 12c higher to €17.33 while Bank of Ireland dipped 4c to €12.85 despite news that an agreement has been reached on proposed 2,100 voluntary redundancies. Anglo-Irish gave up 1c while Irish Life and Permanent advanced 15c on the day.