Financials boost for market

THE ISEQ Index returned to positive territory yesterday as financial stocks charged ahead.

The Dublin Exchange closed 192.73 higher to 9,681.73.

In the banking sector, Bank of Ireland took the lead gaining 60c to €16.45 with over 5 million shares changing hands. AIB and Anglo-Irish climbed 52c apiece to €22.85 and €17.02, while Irish Life & Permanent ended the day 25c better off at €19.75.