Bank performance sees market rise

The ISEQ index continued on an upward trend yesterday on a strong performance by the banks.

The Dublin Exchange added 40.75 points to close at 7757.97.

AIB closed at an all-time high of €20.30, up 15c from the previous day’s close. Bank of Ireland also gained, climbing 10c to €14.75. In the second line, Anglo Irish strengthened by 9c to €11.88 while Irish Life & Permanent added 8c to €19.22.

Construction giant CRH ended trading 16c higher at €25.42 despite data from the US showing a slowdown in US new homes construction. Kingspan jumped 12c to €13.85 while Grafton slipped back 2c to €10.31.

Elsewhere no-frills airline Ryanair lost ground, down 5c to €7.15. Paddy Power surged 25c higher to €13.70 and drinks company C&C added 4c to €8.67.