Market gains after Chinese plan

THE ISEQ index began the week on a positive note in line with global markets and after China announced an economic stimulus package worth around €460bn. The Irish share index closed up 26.71 points at 2,853.45.

Financial stocks had a mixed day as bargain hunters were to the fore. AIB finished 3c weaker at €3.60, Bank of Ireland shed 7c to €1.55, Anglo Irish Bank gained 4c to €2.04 while Irish Life and Permanent jumped 15c to €2.60.

In the construction sector, CRH added 41c to €16.61, Kingspan moved up 2c to €4.38 while Grafton Group increased 3c to €2.73.