Market gains after US advance

THE Irish market witnessed a minor gain yesterday as stockmarkets across Europe were in positive territory following gains in the US after trading on Friday evening.

The ISEQ index tacked on 28.59 points to finish at 2,955.78.

The bank stocks were extremely weak in morning trading, with all three major sector constituents seeing significant losses. An afternoon rally did manage to get Bank of Ireland into positive territory, up 3.6c on the day to €1.21. AIB and Irish Life and Permanent shed 5c and 3c to close at €1.03 and €3.04.