Market gains on low volumes

THE ISEQ posted a slight gain of 0.27 points to 2,965.12 in light trading yesterday.

World shares hit their highest level in almost three years, driven by strong commodity prices, while expectations of further euro zone rate hikes pushed the euro to a 15-month peak versus the dollar.

In the financial sector, AIB fell 1.9c to 28c. Bank ofIreland dipped 0.4c to 29.6c. Irish Life & Permanent decreased 0.1c to 13.5c, while insurance company FBD Holdings added 1c to €7.50.

In the construction sector, CRH relinquished 3c to €16.59. Grafton Group advanced 7.1c to €3.45. Kingspan improved 8.2c to €6.50, while Abbey Plc shed 1c to €5.20.

In other news, Athlone pharmaceutical company Elan progressed 6.2c to €5.41. Ryanair slipped 4.5c to €3.35. Aer Lingus dropped 0.8c to 73.5c. Glanbia fell 1c to €4.33, while exploration company Kenmare Resources jumped 6c to 57c.