ISEQ up 24.31 strengthened by financials

The Dublin market was up 24.31 points today at 4,644.47, edged on by a strong performance from some companies in the financial sector.

Financials were mostly ahead, with AIB rising €0.13 to €12.25. Bank of Ireland this morning said it has resumed its share buyback programme and shares were up €0.08 to €10.35.

Anglo Irish hiked €0.12 to €10.12. Shares in First Active were the most heavily traded this morning as profits takers sold.

The share price fell €0.06 to €6.08 ahead of the egm on Thursday when investors will vote on the bank's merger with Royal Bank of Scotland. Irish Life & Permanent shed €0.07, falling to €11.80.

Kerry Group fell €0.20 to €14.90 and IAWS was unchanged on reports that they are both bidding for Hibernia Foods, albeit for separate sections of the food company that went into receivership last month.

Elsewhere, Greencore added €0.02 coming in at €3.23 as investors bought in anticipation of its year end results tomorrow. Ryanair was up €0.11 to €6.40 after a downward streak last week.

In London the FTSE-100 was up 45.4 points at 4364.4 this morning just before 11am as mobile firm Mmo2 rose 2.5% and electricals retailer Dixons gained 1.93% after a "buy" recommendation from Deutsche Bank.

On the currency markets this morning the euro is worth $1.1799 and £0.6956.