Market up over AIB reports

THE ISEQ Index closed slightly higher yesterday as rumours of a possible takeover of AIB lifted the market.

The Dublin Exchange added 4.03 points to close at 8,460.87.

In the financial sector AIB continued its upward trend as rumours of a possible approach by Citigroup surrounded the stock. The share price rose 2c to €21.47. Bank of

Ireland also crept 9c ahead to €15.60 while Anglo Irish added 3c to €13.78.

In construction CRH fell 48c to €26.90 while Kingspan shed 7c to €16.45 and Grafton remained unchanged at €11.20 capping a poor day for the sector.