ISEQ remains in positive territory

THE ISEQ index was in positive territory again yesterday, to close up 69.12 points to 2,549.91, in line with European and world markets.

The ECB left rates unchanged at 1.5%, at its meeting in Berlin yesterday, and introduced new measures to boost liquidity. An interest rate cut is expected in the coming months. ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet said the economic outlook remains subject to particularly high uncertainty and intensified downside risks.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland was 0.4c better at 8.6c. AIB gained 0.1c to 3.6c. Irish Life & Permanent was unchanged at 2.6c, while insurance group FBD Holdings advanced 1c to €6.55.