Massive gains for ISEQ

Almost 5% was added to the value of Irish shares today, as the ISEQ shot up 297.26 points to 7310.53 by close of business.

The financials led the revival, with Allied Irish Banks jumping 90c to €18.15. Bank of Ireland also did well, up 57c to €13.88. Anglo Irish Bank also climbed (up 30c to €11.04) as well as Irish Life & Permanent (up 33c to €17.58).

The construction sector also enjoyed a huge buying spree. After some recent troubles, CRH was the best performer for the day, rocketing €1.06 to € 24.36. Grafton Group also benefited from a 45c boost to € 9.80. Kingspan Group was also on the rise, up 37c to € 12.81.

Bookmaker Paddy Power was another strong performer, gaining €50c to 12.50. Elan began to gain some ground, climbing 41c to €11.96.

Ryanair jumped 13c to €7.18 following the announcement of a 99c seat sale. Dragon Oil also went up 21c to €2.23. The day’s other big winners included DCC (up 17c to €17.85) and Kerry Group (up 33c to €16.06).

In a day of almost universal gains, only FBD and Icon Plc suffered any significant loss, both slipping 15c to €34.05 and €40.60 respectively.