ISEQ up in morning trade

The Irish index of Irish shares rose 15.48 points to 6886.74 in morning trade today.

Fortunes were mixed for financial stocks. Anglo Irish Bank fell 12c to €11.65. Bank of Ireland rose 5c to €13.08 while AIB was up 5c to €18.18. Irish Life and Permanent fell 5c to €15.45.

In good news for the country's banks, private-sector credit growth has been strengthening in recent months, the latest data from the Central Bank shows. This trend continued in October, with year-on-year growth rising to an adjusted rate of 29.4% from 28.6% in September.

Drinks and snacks group was up 7c to €5.16 while eircom shares rose 8c to €2.03.

Ryanair saw a rise of 1c to €7.20.