ISEQ looks to end week of losses

The ISEQ is on course to end a week of consecutive losses today, climbing 19.50 by mid-morning to stand at 6,115.59.

Shares in Bank of Ireland have edged 3c higher today to €12.71. Bank of Ireland revealed today it is to open an office of its corporate division in Paris.

Allied Irish Bank shares have climbed strongly, up 11c to €15.74. Anglo Irish Bank shares are unchanged so far at €20 while Irish Life & Permanent shares have slipped 5c so far to €14.45.

Insurance group FBD has continued to see shares rise today, surging 20c to €21.20. FBD announced pre-tax profits of €135m for 2004 on Wednesday.

Pharmaceutical group Elan saw shares fall back today after two days of consecutive rises. Elan shares fell 13c to €5.66.

Meanwhile Waterford Wedgewood's share price has fallen 1c to 4c today as news filtered through the company's chief financial officer Paul D'Alton has resigned to join AgCert International.

Shares in building group CRH has fallen 5c to €20.35 today.

The most traded shares today are Anglo Irish Bank, CRH, AIB, Bank of Ireland and eircom.