ISEQ up 27.06 points on back of construction company statements

News from builders merchant Grafton that they expect 2004 trading to be in line with expectations sent up their share price by 38 cent this morning, to €9.05.

Shares at Grafton acquisition target Heiton Holdings remained level at €7.70 on the back of Grafton's comment to day that Heiton performed strongly during its six-month interim period up to October 2004.

Meanwhile, construction products company Kingspan's shares were up eight cent to €7.34 after the company announced 15.5% sales growth in the first half of 2004. Kingspan said full year sales were expected to be up by more than 18% on 2003.

Shares in mining company Ormonde have remained level after the company announced the completion of a preliminary diamond drilling programme on the Portas Prospect at its Trives Gold Project in northwest Spain.

The market as a whole is up 27.06 points to 6424.75.