US inflation data sparks ISEQ rally

THE ISEQ index closed higher as new figures released in the US indicate a slowdown in the increase of wholesale inflation. The Irish exchange finished 76.60 points or 1% ahead at 7,717.22.

The financial stocks were among the leading risers with AIB jumping 30c to €20.15 and Bank of Ireland climbing 25c to €14.65. In the second line, Anglo-Irish gained 34c to €11.79, while Irish Life & Permanent advanced 9c to €19.14.

Construction stocks were mixed with CRH giving up 5c to €29.98. Grafton gained 7c to €10.33, Kingspan added 19c to €13.73, while McInerney was 14c stronger at €11.05.