Iseq increases 25.56 points

The Iseq increased 25.56 points yesterday to close at 4,104.87.

European markets followed suit, with small gains. Sentiment was helped by a further rise in the European Commission’s survey of consumer and business confidence.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland fell 0.2c to 17c, Permanent TSB lost 0.3c to close at 2.7c, while AIB were unchanged at 5.7c. Insurance group FBD Holdings advanced 30c to €16.10.

In the construction sector, CRH added 15c to €15.80, Grafton Group gained 20.5c to €6.13, while Kingspan progressed 17c to €10.575.

Elsewhere, Ryanair dropped 3.5c to €6.948, after the airline announced that it intends to increase baggage charges until no-one takes checked-in luggage on its flights.