Market forges ahead

THE ISEQ index stormed ahead yesterday as the financials rallied to a 259.82 gain. The Dublin exchange closed 121.06 points higher at 8,202.87.

AIB jumped 69c to €20.99 at close — an all-time high. Bank of Ireland continued its recent upward momentum adding 20c to close at €15.40. Anglo Irish and Irish Life & Permanent both strengthened, up 21c and 28c.

In construction, CRH added 10c to €27 while Grafton and Kingspan fell 2c to €10.50 and €15.70.

Elsewhere, C&C climbed 24c to €10.45 with 2.02 million shares changing hands. Ryanair broke through €8 after oil prices dropped again, the stock closed 28c higher at €8.10. Independent News & Media reported a 10.8% rise in interim profits resulting in a 3c gain to €2.33.