Builders’ gain balances falling banks

European equity markets started the week on a positive footing with most adding to Friday’s gains, albeit modestly as investors treaded causally ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting. Stocks in Dublin were no different as the Iseq added 2.38 points to close on 3,917.9.

Irish bank stocks were all off, with AIB falling 0.2c to 6.4c, Bank of Ireland down 0.7c to 15.2c, Permanent TSB closing at 2.9c, down 0.1c. Irish Insurer FBD Holdings added 5 cents to finish on €13.95.

It was a better story for construction, with all turning gains. Industry heavyweight CRH added 14.5c to €15.63, while Grafton Group gained 6 cent to €5.66 and Kingspan was 18c better off on €9.98.