Strong showing by financial sector

The ISEQ Index of Irish shares closed up 17.83 points to 4613.65, yesterday.

Financial shares performed strongly. IFG reported earnings for the six months to June 30 and gained 2.86% to 72c. Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland also gained ground adding 1.1% and 0.65% to €12.85 and €10.89 respectively. Anglo Irish Bank edged 0.44% higher to €9.05.

Elsewhere, food shares closed the day in positive territory. IAWS ended the session recording a year high of €8.60. Other shares in the food industry to rise included Fyffes adding 2.78% to €1.48 and Kerry Group rising 0.9% to €14.60.