Banks provide market boost

THE ISEQ Index gained ground yesterday after a positive day for many of the heavyweights on the market. The Dublin exchange closed 86.92 higher at 9,299.41.

AIB climbed 26c to 22.71 while Bank of Ireland added 10c to €17.10. Anglo Irish moved 8c ahead to €15.43 while Irish Life & Permanent finished 40c higher at €21.05.

In construction, CRH strengthened 35c to €30.95 on the back of positive newsflow from the US. Grafton Group confirmed positive momentum but fell 2c to €12.17.