Market gains on slow trading day

THE ISEQ index closed up in line with world markets yesterday.

The index gained 8.04 points to close at 2,429.03 points as trading was particularly flat throughout the day. Markets were weak all morning as worries that the swine flu outbreak could worsen markedly sent shares sharply lower. However, they picked up in the afternoon as the US performed solidly.

In the financial sector, the main banks were subdued. AIB closed 1c weaker at 84c, Bank of Ireland dipped 2c to 64c, while Irish Life and Permanent fell 5c to €1.64.

In the construction sector, CRH jumped 58c to €17.40, Grafton Group declined 9c to €2.73, while Kingspan Group added 5c to €3.63.

In other news, Ryanair fell 15c to €3.30, Paddy Power shed 23c to €14.24, while Kerry Group fel 48c to €14.40.