Market up amid growing confidence

THE ISEQ index inched up yesterday, to close marginally higher at 2,511.81, an increase of 10.1 points.

US stocks opened higher, supported by stronger than expected economic data and growing confidence in Europe’s response to its debt crisis.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland added 0.1c to 7.6c. AIB was 0.2c better at 4.1c and Irish Life & Permanent increased 0.6c to 3.4c.

In construction, as ratings agency Fitch reaffirmed CRH at a rating of BBB with a stable outlook, shares in the company gained 20c to close at €11.725. Grafton advanced 0.7c to €2.679, and Kingspan was up 2c at €6.15.