ISEQ continues to enjoy strong gains

The ISEQ made a positive start to hopes of making a week of consecutive gains today, climbing 33.85 to 6,789.63.

Allied Irish Bank shares surged 17c today to €16.08. AIB is in discussions about a "sale and leaseback" of its Dublin headquarters. AIB said it had "initiated a process which may lead to contracts being signed by mid-year".