Market reaches record high

The ISEQ Index hit a record high yesterday with CRH and FBD leading the charge. The Dublin exchange closed 106.92 points stronger at 9,718.75.

Financial stocks gained overall; AIB and Bank of Ireland both jumped 28c to €23.25 and €17.95 respectively. In the second line Anglo-Irish climbed 4c to €16.12 while Irish Life & Permanent surged ahead by 45c to €22.

In construction, CRH was the star performer jumping 83c to €32.22 following the completion of its first acquisition in China in the form of a cement plant in Heilongjiang province. Grafton Group strengthened by 29c to €12.77, Kingspan closed 30c higher at €20.50 while McInerney added 5c to €15.55.