ISEQ advance in line with global gains

THE ISEQ index advanced 55.29 points to 3,330.80 in line with gains across global bourses.

Markets advanced strongly after ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said Greece is not at the point where it needs a financial bailout and is in no danger of defaulting.

In the financial sector, AIB climbed 8c to 1.54. Bank of Ireland added 1c to 1.73. Irish Life & Permanent tacked on 7c to 3.30, while insurance company FBD Holdings progressed 15c to close at 7.65. In the construction sector, CRH increased 60c to 19.00. Kingspan continued its good run with a gain of 35c to 7.35, while Grafton Group was 10c stronger at 3.40. Ryanair dipped 8c to 4.00.