Iseq sees stocks rally

The Irish index of shares has rallied to recover some of the week's losses.

By the close of trading today, the Iseq was up 166.52 points to 6,509.10.

The positive mood was led by the financials and construction sector, with the Bank of Ireland soaring 87c to €9.77. Irish Life and Permanent clawed back 53c to stand at €11.80, while AIB climbed 52c to €13.47. Anglo Irish Bank had a more modest 19c increase to €9.12.

Insurance giant, FBD Holdings, saw its stock increase by 35c to €18.30.

The construction sector continued the fight back with CRH going up 55c to €22.95, Kingspan up 35c to €13.21 and Grafton rising 21c to €6.15.

Business support services group DCC also had a good day, up 36c to €16.95, after it announced the purchase of medical products supplier Squadron Medical in the UK for €16m.

Elsewhere, Paddy Power climbed 46c to €22.51.