ISEQ rises in line with Europe

THE ISEQ index closed up 64.83 points yesterday at 2,451.77 in line with markets across Europe.

The Dow Jones rallied after more poor US jobs figures increased the chances that US president Barack Obama’s stimulus package will pass in to law. US nonfarm payrolls in January were slashed the most since 1974 as the recession worsened, sending the unemployment rate to 7.6%.

In the financial sector, AIB ended up 8c €1.17, Bank of Ireland gained 5c to 67c, Irish Life & Permanent increased 18c to €1.90, while insurance group FBD Holdings added 40c at €8.