Market up as deal pressure mounts

THE ISEQ index gained four points to 3,009.70 yesterday.

Germany and France pressed for a rapid deal between Greece and its private creditors that returns its soaring debt to sustainable levels and said they remained committed to a new bailout that is needed by March to avert a disastrous default.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland increased 0.6c to 11.3c.

AIB added 0.6c to 7c. Irish Life & Permanent gained 0.1c to 3.1c, while insurance group FBD Holdings dropped 9.9c to €7.

In the construction sector, CRH dipped 10c to €16. Grafton Group shed 4c to €2.65, while Kingspan improved 4c to €7.04.

* Please note that listing and trading of Greencore Group has been cancelled with effect from 6.30am yesterday