German confidence sparks index rise

The ISEQ index closed up 7.01 points at 2,887.70 along with most European bourses, with news of a surge in German confidence. German analyst and investor sentiment rose in June to its highest level since May 2006 on hopes that Europe’s largest economy will recover later this year.

AIB added 6.5c to €2.115, Bank of Ireland gained 7.5c to €1.92, Irish life & Permanent increased 16c to €3.46, while insurance group FBD weakened 14c to €7.55.

CRH slid 5c to €17.90, Kingspan fell 13c to €4.77, while Grafton Group declined 11.5c to €2.885.