ISEQ up almost 5%

The value of Irish Stock Exchange increased by almost 5% today, as the ISEQ index soared 121.70 points to 2,622.05.

After announcing a huge management clearout, shares in AIB were up 15c to 96c. Bank of Ireland was up 11c to 77c, with Irish Life and Permanent up 6c to €1.93.

There was widespread gains across the market, with the construction sector faring particularly well. CRH led the way, shooting up €1.30 to €19.87. Both Grafton and Kingspan gained 14c to finish on €2.68 and €3.92 respectively.

Irish Continental Group enjoyed the biggest jump of the day, adding €1.50 to €11.60.

In the food and drink sector, Kerry Group climbed 45c to €15.55, with Greencore up 12c to 98c. Glanbia fell 15c to €2.19 however, the only loss of note on the Exchange.

Energy rivals Dragon Oil and Tullow Oil both increased 10c to €2.86 and €9 respectively.

Other gains of significance included DCC (up 78c to €13.69), Merrion Pharmacy (up 29c to €3.44) and Paddy Power (up 22c to €13.93).