Market records marginal gain

THE ISEQ index recovered somewhat from Thursday’s weak performance with a gain of 19.60 to 2,845.55.

Other European shares advanced, boosted by reports that Spain plans to help recapitalise its banking sector and strong results from US bellwether General Electric. Commodity prices were also stronger. The euro hit a two-month high against the dollar on growing expectations that Eurozone policymakers will arrive at a more long-term solution to the debt crisis.

In the financial sector, AIB added 0.1c to 26.9c. Bank of Ireland shed 0.2c to 35.8c. Irish Life & Permanent improved 2.7c to 87.4c, while insurance group FBD Holdings fell 30c to €6.30.