Market gains in line with peers

THE ISEQ index improved 36.37 points to 2,492.91yesterday in line with other European and world bourses.

European banks need to strengthen their balance sheets, said European Central Bank chief Jean-Claude Trichet said, amid growing fears about a bank lending freeze.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland dipped 0.2c to 7.1c. AIB was unchanged at 4.5c. Irish Life & Permanent retreated 0.3c to 2c, while insurance group FBD Holdings fell 10c to €6.40.