Market ends week with a gain

THE ISEQ ended the week in positive territory yesterday, closing up 65.68 points at 2,992.21.

European markets were buoyed by a strong payrolls’ report in the US. Non-farm payrolls rose by €244,000 in April, the most in 11 months, the Labour Department said, which was well above economists expectations of €186,000.

In the financial sector, AIB gained 0.6c to 21.8c. Bank of Ireland added 1.4c to 24.6c. Irish Life & Permanent improved 0.6c to 14.0, while insurance group FBD Holdings added 10.4 to €7.29.

In the construction sector, CRH shares increased 55.5c to €16.51. Grafton Group gained up 6c to €3.43, while Kingspan lost 7c to €6.40.

In other news, airlines gained ground as oil prices dropped, with Ryanair up 14.3c to €3.60 and Aer Lingus advanced 1.5c to 84c. Solid quarterly sales and revenues for the food sector, boosted investor interest and Kerry Group jumped 90c to €28.90, while Aryzta was 76c stronger at €38.26.