Market heavyweights advance

THE ISEQ index started the week with a strong gain of 47.82 to 2,893.37.

The market was buoyed by strong performances from CRH, Smurfit Kappa and Ryanair.

In the financial sector, AIB was 0.4c weaker at 26.5c. Bank of Ireland slipped 0.6c to 35.2c. Irish Life & Permanent dipped 1.7c to 85.8c, while insurance group FBD Holdings tacked on 5c to €6.35.

In the construction sector, CRH advanced 45c to €15.53. Grafton Group gave up 3.3c to €3.68. Kingspan was 7.4c stronger at €7.17, while housebuilder Abbey was unchanged at €5.20.

In other news, food producer Greencore faces an uphill task to win food manufacturer Northern Foods even if it improves its bid with cash, after food tycoon Ranjit Boparan made a 73p per share cash bid. Greencore shares closed down 6.6c at €1.13.