Market rises despite oil surge

THE ISEQ index closed up 64.92 points at 5,295.66 yesterday even though oil prices jumped to new record highs above $142 as the US currency weakened further and stockmarkets tumbled at the end of a torrid week fortrading.

Banks had a mixed day with AIB up 50c to 10, Bank of Ireland fell 5c to 5.85, Irish Life & Permanent plunged 58c to 7.37, while Anglo Irish bank ended the week at 6.50, unchanged for the day.

In the building sector CRH jumped 70c to 17.85, Kingspan gained 38c to 6.35, and Grafton fell 8c to 3.78.