Market inches upwards

The ISEQ overall index improved 25.62 points to close at 6,143.99, but the slight gain was overshadowed by a slump in Irish Life & Permanent shares.

Shares in Irish Life and Permanent fell sharply by 6pc dropping 71c to €11.10 following news that it has shelved plans to add a stockbroking arm to its business by buying Dolmen Stockbrokers. Anglo fell 12c to €7.80, but AIB bucked the trend rising 11c and 8c to €8.98 and €13.14 respectively.

The main construction stocks had a quiet day with CRH putting on 3c to €23.35 and Grafton adding 9c to €5.43.