Markets gain across Europe

THE ISEQ index added 28.12 points to finish at 2,976.25 in line with other European bourses.

The US markets also opened positively after news that the US economy grew at a faster-than-expected 5.7% pace in the fourth quarter, the quickest pace in more than six years.

In the financial sector, AIB added 6c to €1.29. The bank has just raised €1.5bn in a three-year bond issue. Bank of Ireland progressed 4c to €1.32, Irish Life & Permanent fell 2c to €3.10, while insurance company FBD Holdings advanced 5c to €6.05.