ISEQ up as exports lift trade surplus

THE ISEQ index advanced slightly yesterday to close up 8.22 points at 2,952.24. Ireland recorded its highest ever trade surplus with the rest of the world in November as imports fell sharply while exports rose, latest figures from the CSO reveal.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland remained at 9.2c, AIB held at 5.9c and Irish Life & Permanent was unchanged at 2.6c, while insurance group FBD Holdings was also unmoved at 7.20.

In the construction sector, CRH advanced 19.5c to 15.40. Grafton Group gained 4.1c to 2.631, while Kingspan was dropped 5c to 6.70.