Early boost for ISEQ

The ISEQ index of Irish shares was up 46.45 points to 2,864.48 by midday today.

The financials all did well, with Allied Irish Banks leading the way, gaining 21c to €1.81. Irish Life and Permanent (up 12c to €3.62) and Bank of Ireland (up 8c to €1.85) also saw increases.

There was mixed news in both the construction and energy sectors. In construction, CRH grew 10c to €17.70, but Kingspan dropped 20c to €4.95. Meanwhile, Dragon Oil jumped 27c to €3.85, with Tullow Oil losing 19c to €11.60.

The food sector was on the rise, with Glanbia up 10c to €2.47 and Kerry Group climbing 15c to €16.80.

Other significant gains of the day so far included FBD (up 18c to €7.42), Ryanair (up 14c to €3.68) and Merrion Pharmacies (up 10c to €4.20).