Market in bullish mood

The ISEQ Index performed strongly yesterday, closing 85.25 points stronger at 7,479.89 with the banking and construction stocks being the primary drivers.

The financial sector led the charge with an overall gain of 174.66. Market kingpin AIB was 30c stronger at €18.80. Bank of Ireland added 15c at €13.75 following encouraging results from British lender Bradford and Bingley. Anglo Irish Bank and Irish life and Permanent also finished up 11c and 30c to finish at €11.55 and €17.95.

In the construction sector CRH gained 54c to€25.54. Grafton Group closed up 21c at €10.02 following positive results from kingfisher in Britain. Kingspan dropped 5c to finish at €13.05.