Small gain for ISEQ

There was a small gain for the Irish Stock Exchange today, the ISEQ index gaining 11.85 points to 9482.47.

The financials did well overall, with Irish Life & Permanent the best performer (up 13c to €19.48). Rivals Bank of Ireland (up 12c to €15.78) and Anglo Irish Bank (up 11c to €16.56) were not far behind. Allied Irish Bank endured a 5c slip to €22.30.

It was a day of contrasts in the construction sector, with Abbey (down 25c to €10.90) and McInerney Holdings (down 20c to €14.05) both dealing with heavy losses. Grafton, meanwhile, enjoyed a 23c jump to €10.91.

It was another poor day of trading for Irish Continental Group (down 50c to €20.50) as uncertainty continued to surround a potential takeover. DCC was the other big loss of the day, slumping 26c to €24.70.

There was better news for Icon, who gained 45c to €34.25.

There was heavy trading in the food and drink sector, with IAWS performing well, finishing 23c up to €18.25. The news was not as good for rivals Kerry Group (down 16c to €12.44) and C&C (down 21c to €22.04).