Strong opening by the financials

THE ISEQ index opened the week on a positive note as the financials performed well. The Dublin Exchange closed 69.32 points higher at 7371.29.

AIB added 10c to €18.25 while Bank of Ireland climbed 20c to €13.81. Anglo Irish was up 51c to €11.41, and Irish Life & Permanent climbed 40c to €18.60.

In construction, Kingspan fell 25c to €13.05 after confirming the deal to buy Xtratherm for €87 million.

Elsewhere, Kerry Group announced the commencement of a share buy back scheme that will see 2.8m shares bought back by the company. The market reacted positively, and the share price rose 71c to €17.01. Elan jumped 50c higher to €13.70 and Ryanair shed 9c to €7.05.