Markets flex their muscle

Most European markets rose yesterday with indications that Europe’s economy is regaining momentum.

US markets fell following slightly disappointing retail sales figures. The Iseq closed down 27.88 points at 4,238.60.

There were positive results in the financial sector, where AIB gained 0.3c to 7.5c, Bank of Ireland advanced 0.5c to 21.2c, while Permanent TSB rose 0.6c to 3.7c. Insurance Group FBD Holdings added 4.5c to €16.69.

In construction CRH tacked on 4.5c to €17.10, while Kingspan and Grafton Group both lost ground, at €10.72 and €6.04, down 7.5c and 0.8c.