Gains reflects European fightback

The ISEQ Index closed up mirroring the gains in other European bourses. The Dublin Exchange was 99.41 points higher at 7417.14.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland gained 14c to €14.29. Anglo Irish bank added 9c to €11.37. Irish Life and Permanent was €18.29 at the closing bell. AIB bucked the trend drifting back 1c to €18.39. It is passing on the 0.25% interest rate increase to borrowers and depositors from the close of business today.

Construction giant CRH dramatically jumped €1.18 to €25.29 following its exclusive deal with Ashland Inc which could lead to the acquisition of Ashland Paving and Construction. Grafton group and Kingspan Group were 14c and 24c stronger at €9.64 and €13.14.