European markets in advance

Eurozone markets were ahead yesterday.

Stronger-than- expected German economic sentiment data and a strong opening in the US after the long weekend were the main catalysts. In Ireland, uncertainty over the IBRC’s liquidation lingered on, but investors seem to be taking the view that the decision will be passed as the ISEQ added 23.24 points to 3,689.09 which was behind the majority of other European markets.

Shares in the Irish financials pushed further ahead on the whole. AIB and Bank of Ireland added 0.2c to 6.3c and 13.4c, Permanent TSB added 0.1c to close on 3.5c. Insurer FBD Holdings continued its good run adding a further 30.5c to close on €12.80.

In the construction sector, CRH gave back most of Monday’s gains shedding 6.5c to €16.16, Grafton added a cent to €4.77 while Kingspan regained gained 13.8c to €8.86.