ISEQ higher as financials' fortunes fare well

The ISEQ has enjoyed a positive start in mid-morning trading, with financial stocks pushing the market upwards.

The ISEQ has climbed 27.63 to 6,534.17.

Shares in Allied Irish Bank climbed 13c to €17.93 while shares in Bank of Ireland climbed 5c to €13.30. Anglo Irish Bank shares climbed 15c to €10.20 while Irish Life & Permanent climbed 15c to €14.65. FBD shares edged 5c higher to €27.

Elsewhere Elan shares have climbed 2c to €5.62 today. Elan announced today it had received encouraging results for the use of its drug Tysabri to combat Crohn's Disease.

Fruit and veg distribution giant Fyffes has added 3c to €2.47. Fyffes yesterday revealed strong banana prices were leading to improved performance this year.

Building materials giant CRH has surged 20c to €21.83 today.