Market continues steady advance

THE ISEQ index closed up 14.58 points yesterday at 2,970.15.

The National Asset Management Agency would consider buying loans from Irish units of foreign-owned banks under the country’s bad bank scheme, according to the Department of Finance.

In the financial sector, AIB continued its recent good run to €2.35, a gain of 12c, Bank of Ireland added 6c to €2.23, Irish life & Permanent slipped 40c to €3.95, while insurance group FBD weakened 38c to €7.50.