CRH and C&C drive market forward

THE ISEQ gained ground yesterday on the back of strong performances from CRH and C&C.

The market closed 35.75 higher at 9,609.87.

AIB remained unchanged at €22.40 while Bank of Ireland was down 5c to €16.02. Anglo Irish weakened 5c to €16.42 with only Irish Life & Permanent moving ahead, up 30c to €20.

In construction, CRH jumped 80c to €34.90, as its British competitor Hanson was bought by HeidelbergCement. Grafton dipped 7c to €11.25 and Kingspan climbed 11c to €20.51.

Elsewhere, C&C continued its recent upward momentum by crossing the line 16c higher at €12.56.