Market boost follows US news

THE Irish exchange performed strongly yesterday on the back of positive news from the US.

The ISEQ jumped 142 points to 6,543.

The financial stocks gained ground while credit card giant Visa confirmed that it still plans to go ahead with a €19bn initial public offering this year. AIB finished 57c stronger at €14.30. Bank of Ireland was 31c better off at €9.60. Anglo and Irish Life and Permanent increased 50c and 27c to €9.20 and €10.35.

Kingspan and Grafton closed 5c and 3c higher at €9.10 and €5.29 respectively. Other main movers included Ryanair gaining 13c to €3.43.