Markets maintain recent pick-up

SHARES on the Irish market finished stronger yesterday as markets around the globe were boosted when US treasury secretary Tim Geithner indicated US bank reserves would be sufficient to guard against possible shocks. The ISEQ index gained 59.54 points by the close to end at 2,446.44.

The banks endured a mixed session as investors and market commentators alike await further details around the NAMA scheme. Bank of Ireland gained 2.1c to 72.1c. AIB followed suit adding 3c to 93c while Irish life andPermanent slipped 3.3c to €1.82.

In construction, CRH received a boost from the positive news from the US as a significant portion of its profits are amassed there. The share price moved on 54c to €17.35. Kingspan and Grafton followed suit, up 10c and 3c to finish at €3.58 and €2.39.