Markets gain across Europe

THE ISEQ index posted a small gain of 10.03 to finish the session at 2,692.39 yesterday.

European shares turned positive, with financial services companies continuing their rise ahead of Citigroup results, while earlier takeover news from fixed income fund manager BlueBay Asset Management had also improved sentiment.

In the US, Citigroup’s third-quarter earnings soared, with per-share profit coming in just above analysts’ estimates, as the bank again saw the amount it sets aside for credit losses fall.

In the financial sector, AIB fell 0.8c to 40.2c. Bank of Ireland shed 1.2c to 58.7c. Irish Life & Permanent Group gained 3.2c to €1.6, while insurance group FBD Holdings was unchanged at €6.25.