Financials boost for stocks

THE ISEQ Index continued in positive territory on the back of the financial and construction stocks. The exchange jumped 67.38 to 8,791.96.

The financial stocks were 106.92 better off. Bank of Ireland added 15c to €16.15 following strong interim results. The company reported a 5% jump in pre-tax profits to €887m. AIB gained 12c to €21.61. Anglo climbed 10c to €14.40. Irish Life and Permanent ended at €19.30.

Construction giant CRH firmed up 16c to €28.15. Grafton Group and Kingspan Group were also winners closing 5c and 31c higher at €11.45 and €16.95.