Markets climb on positive US news

THE ISEQ index began the week with a slight gain of 5.22 to finish at 2,981.47.

World markets were boosted by US data showing a better-than-expected rise in manufacturing activity and a strong set of results from oil giant Exxon Mobil.

In the financial sector, AIB lost 7c to €1.22, Bank of Ireland fell 6c to €1.26, Irish Life & Permanent advanced 9.9c to €3.20, while insurance company FBD Holdings jumped 20c to €6.25.