ISEQ soars at market close

The ISEQ index of Irish shares soared this evening, gaining 156 points to close at 4,359.98.

It was positive news all round with each of the financial heavyweights increasing their share prices. AIB lead the way, up 32c to €8.22. Irish Life and Permanent jumped 18c to €5.25 with Bank of Ireland up 9c to €5.26. Anglo Irish Bank also had a slight gain of just 7c to €5.40.

Elsewhere, Kingspan came out on top as the days best performer (up 66c to €7.30) following news that the construction giant has acquired a US panels firm Metecno for €75m. Kingspan says the deal gives it 'critical mass' in the US at a time when demand for insulation products is expected to increase due to pressure for more energy-efficient building.

Grafton gained 15c to 3.95 with McInerney up a modest 4c to end the day at 40c per share.