European markets maintain stability
Overall, markets were either slightly positive or negative and thereby consolidated recent gains. US earnings season kicks off this evening with aluminium giant Alcoa reporting. Markets will look to positive trading statements from US large capitalisations to continue the recent positive sentiment. The ISEQ index finished 14.38 points ahead, remaining above 3,500 points at 3,514.33.
Irish banks had a strong day as AIB added 0.1c to close at 5.2c. Permanent TSB was up by a similar amount, edging up 0.1c to 2.7c. Bank of Ireland continued to be the out-performer in the sector adding 0.7c or to 13.5c as it is believed it will benefit more than its Irish peers from relaxed liquidity targets and timelines under Basel III.
