Banking boost for market

THE Irish exchange yesterday closed in positive territory on the back of the banking and construction stocks. The ISEQ closed 129 higher at 7,370.

The financials performed well ahead of the US interest rate announcement from the Federal Reserve today. AIB gained 37c to €16.10. Bank of Ireland added 4c to €11.01. Irish Life and Permanent and Anglo finished 23c and 31c better off at €14.23 and €11.56.

Construction giant CRH soared €1.18 ahead to €26.83. Grafton Group increased 14c to €6.16. Kingspan and McInerney gained 17c and 1c to €14.50 and €1.28.