Market looks on the positive side

THE ISEQ jumped 34.58 points to 2,937.77, as the European Central Bank kept rates on hold at its regular monthly meeting yesterday but signalled renewed caution on price inflation.

Inflation is likely to climb further and could exceed the European Central Bank’s target for most of the year but poses no threat yet to medium-term price stability, according to president Jean-Claude Trichet.

In the financial sector, AIB fell 0.4c to 24.4. Bank of Ireland added 2.2c to 36.4c. Irish Life & Permanent was unchanged at 90c, while FBD Holdings declined 8.7c to 6.758.