ISEQ breaks 7900 barrier

The ISEQ index of shares continued its positive momentum with gains of 34.78 to close at 7922.18 today.

Stocks were generally mixed as shown by the financial sector. Allied Irish Bank had a 6c rise to €18.95 after announcing today that it is selling its headquarters in Dublin for €377m to Hibernian Life and Pensions and property developer Sean Dunne. The buildings will then be rented back to AIB on a 20-year lease.

Anglo Irish Bank had a fall of 11c to €13.01 while Bank of Ireland increased their stock slightly by 7c to €14.67. However, Irish Life and Permanent slumped to a 25c decrease to close at €20.45.

The biggest riser of the day was CRH which climbed 72c to €29.35. Betting group Paddy Power was also on the up with gains of 46c to €13.96.

Eircom Group shares were unchanged at €2.17 as the Communications Workers Union said this afternoon that it would do all it could to block the sale of Eircom unless it receives assurances on staff pay and conditions.