Market makes modest gain

THE Irish market recorded a positive day yesterday despite the crisis of confidence in the banking industry continuing to be the main talking point. The ISEQ index added 24.22 points to end the week at 2,074.32.

The financial stocks were among the market laggards on a day which saw more than a combined 50 million shares change hands in the two main banks. News of a potential €5 billion investment in the now nationalised Anglo-Irish bank by a consortium of international investors ensured that trade was brisk. AIB and Bank of Ireland gave up 9.3c and 7.7c to finish at 38.5c and 19.3c. Irish Life and Permanent dropped 0.5c to 69c.

In construction, CRH moved on 50c to €16.40, while Grafton group remained stable at €1.38 and Kingspan added 6.7c to €2.21.