World markets make advance

World markets edged slightly higher yesterday as USconsumer confidence data for August was up on July’s figures.

European markets in general were all positive with the ISEQ improving by 33.75 points to 3,201.24.

Irish bank stocks were worse off across the board as AIB shed 0.2c to 5.1c. Bank of Ireland also dropped 0.2c to 9.1c while Permanent TSB Group fell 0.3c to 2.4c. FBD Group gained 20c to €8.70.

Construction stocks were mixed on the day as CRH regained a small amount of recent lost ground. The share price recovered 44.5c to close at €14.68. Kingspan followed suit, adding 35c to €7.25. Grafton Group was a laggard, dropping 1.1c to €3.06.

In other news, bookmaker Paddy Power gained 55c to €53.25, while Ryanair moved on 6.5c to €4.13 as speculation continued around the future of its 25% holding in Aer Lingus.