ISEQ up 43.13

The ISEQ index of Irish shares gained 43.13 points to 5440.61 in morning trading today.

A trading statement from C&C Group plc met a restrained reception, after company shares fell one cent to €2.55.

In its first interim report since its initial public offering (IPO) and listing on the ISEQ and the London Stock Exchange, C&C Group has said group turnover is up by about 4% while margins were "broadly unchanged".

Travel software company Datalex shares remained static after the company announced an improved performace for the six months to June 30.

Profit was $81,000 (€67,200) to June 30, due to growth in revenues and cuts to the company's cost base, excluding goodwill amortisation of $440,000 (€365,000), foreign exchange losses of $258,000 (€214,000) and net interest income of $205,000 (€170,000), indicating a return to profitability for the company.

Elan saw one of the biggest shifts in trading this morning, up 79 cent to €18.70.

Ryanair jumped 13 cent to €4.38 after another statement that it would not pass on fuel surcharges to passengers. Head of communications, Paul Fitzsimmons said: "We are committed to no fuel surcharges, not now, not ever."

In other business news relating to Irish industry, Ladbrokes betting shops' owner Hilton said profits in the six months to June 30 improved 72% to £189.7m (€282m), with the figure from the 400-strong hotels estate ahead almost 20% to £67.1m (€99.8m).

UK and Ireland proved to be one of the strongest regions for Hilton, with profits from the portfolio up 23.8% to £42.2m (€62.8m) after revenues per available room (revpar) – a key industry measure – lifted 10% to £60.05 (€89).

Ladbrokes Ireland Ltd employs more than 600 people in Ireland. The company's Irish operation was established in 1986 and has more than 120 betting shops across the country.