ISEQ gains 37 points on May Day

The ISEQ index gained 37.10 points yesterday to close at 3,261.55. Many of the central European markets were closed for May Day.

Thousands of workers in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy and France protested against austerity measures in May Day rallies. In the US, data showed that the manufacturing sector unexpectedly grew at a faster rate last month, easing worries about a slowdown in the economy.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland were unchanged at 11.2c. AIB added 0.3c to 7.8c. Irish Life & Permanent remained at 3.7c, while insurance group FBD Holdings advanced 20c to €8.90.