ISEQ in line with European bourses

THE ISEQ index gained 32.24 points to close at 2,470.30, in line with European bourses.

The US market opened lower, as investors took profits after Tuesday’s rally. US manufactured goods rose more than expected in July.

In the financial sector, FBD produced operating profit of €26.5m for the first half of 2011, helped by a better claims performance in particular. Shares in the insurance group closed up 25c at 6.35. Bank of Ireland was unchanged at 8.9c. AIB added 0.1c to 5.6c, while Irish Life & Permanent was unchanged at 3c.