World stocks on the rise

THE ISEQ index advanced 69.50 points to 3,135.32 in line with other European and world bourses yesterday.

European shares had significant gains after US non-farm payrolls data beat expectations, increasing optimism that the world’s largest economy was on track for a recovery. US non-farm payrolls rose at their fastest pace in nine months and the unemployment rate dropped to a near three-year low.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland jumped 2c to 15c. AIB gained 1.3c to 8.8c. Irish Life & Permanent was unmoved at 3.7c, while insurance group FBD Holdingsimproved 28c to €7.25.

In the construction sector, CRH progressed 45c to €15.78. Grafton Group moved up 7c to €2.75, while Kingspan closed up 1c at €7.25.