European shares in positive mode

European shares moved back to positive figures as markets were boosted as first-time jobless claims figures in the US unexpectedly fell.

Closer to home the Iseq pushed further ahead following on from the highly successful sale of the new 10-year Irish benchmark bond on Wednesday as the new issue was oversubscribed, with €5bn raised in the actions as Ireland continued its reintegration into the world debt markets. The Iseq finished up 42 points closing on 3,900.7

The financial sector had a quiet day with Band of Ireland flat on 17c while AIB and Permanent TSB Group recorded small losses, with the former closing on 7.7c down 0.2c and the latter shedding 0.6c to finish on 4.2c. While Irish insurer FBD Holdings fell 15c to finish on €12.45