ISEQ makes modest gain of 8 points

THE ISEQ index gained 8.06 points to close at 2,944. In a sign that markets had already priced in sovereign downgrade risks, European markets made slight gains while the French government sold short-term debt at a cheaper rate than previous auctions, despite the loss of its AAA rating.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland was unchanged at 9.2c. AIB shed 0.1c to 5.9c. Irish Life & Permanent gave up 0.4c to 2.6c, while insurance group FBD Holdings tacked on 5c to €7.20.

In the construction sector, CRH progressed 12.5c to 15.205. Grafton Group increased 3c to 2.59, while Kingspan was 5c stronger at 6.75.