European markets advance

THE Irish market mirrored its European counterparts yesterday in gaining ground. The ISEQ index finished up over 1%, or 33.64 points, at 2,929.60.

The financials had a good day with all three of the major constituents making headway as Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced Anglo Irish would not be wound down as this would not be in the best interests of the taxpayer.

AIB led the way tacking on 4.5c to €1.98 as over three million shares were traded. Bank of Ireland moved on 4c to €2. Irish Life and Permanent was up 25.8c to €3.95.