Early surge on ISEQ

The ISEQ index of Irish shares jumped 110.02 points to 2,600.37 in early trading this morning, the rise reflecting the positive trend across global markets.

Independent News and Media, which earlier in the day posted annual results saying it would be unable to meet the May 8 deadline to repay a €200m bond, recovered from an early-morning dip of some 20% to stand at 0.24 by 11.50am, a drop of 1c or 4%.