Market gains as bourses prosper

THE Irish market started the week with a gain of 18.93 points to 3,099.68 on renewed confidence in the future of equities as world bourses rose to a 15-month high.

Robust Chinese trade data was the main driver inboosting optimism about the prospects of the global economy.

In the financial sector, AIB dipped 3c to €1.62, Bank of Ireland was 6c weaker at €1.63, Irish Life & Permanent was unchanged at €3.50, while insurance group FBD Holdings slipped 7c to €7.20.