Market regains some lost ground

THE ISEQ index inched back up yesterday to close 11.40 points better at 2,722.54.

German investor confidence rose unexpectedly in December, helping to boost gains in the market. Bond yields were higher in Europe as markets await an announcement from Standard & Poors on downgrades.

In the US, a drop in receipts for food and beverages, caused retail sales figures to rise less than expected in November.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland dipped 0.1c to 8.6c. AIB slipped 0.3c to 7.5c. Irish Life & Permanent fell 0.3c to 2.5c, while insurance group FBD Holdings was unchanged at €6.50.

In the construction sector, CRH advanced 30c to €13.65. Grafton Group dropped 10.5c to €2.41, while Kingspan decreased 29.9c to €6.40.