Market hits all-time high

THE ISEQ Index hit an all-time high as Aer Lingus charged ahead following a shock announcement that Ryanair had made a bid for the company. The Irish exchange climbed 44.14 points to 8,298.40.

Financial stocks were mixed after the ECB increased interest rates 0.25%. AIB fell 10c to €20.55, Bank of Ireland was 4c lower at €15.36, Irish Life & Permanent shed 20c to €19.75 while Anglo-Irish gained 11c to €13.36.

In construction CRH nudged upwards 5c to €27.05. Grafton Group was 46c higher at €11.13 while McInerney crossed the line 10c lower at €12.85.