ISEQ up 55 points

The value of shares in Irish companies increased by more than 1.5% today as the ISEQ index increased by 55.35 points to 3,364.48.

There was mixed fortunes for the financials following the second-stage debate on the Nama bill today, as the true market reaction is expected early tomorrow.

Irish Life and Permanent, which will not be availing of Nama, was up 12c to €5.90. By contrast, Allied Irish Banks was up 6c to €2.63, but Bank of Ireland improved 9c to €2.87.

There were similarly contrasting fortunes in the food and drink sector. C&C Group was 21c better off at €3, but Glanbia shed 12c to €2.65.

It was all good news in the construction sector however. CRH led the way, up 75c to €19.61. Kingspan also did well, jumping 39c to €6.91. Grafton was up 11c to €3.81.

The biggest gain of the day came for Paddy Power, which soared €1.50 to €21.37. Tullow Oil (up 40c to €13.40), DCC (up 59c to €18.15) and Merrion Pharmacies (up 31c to €3.96) all did very well.

There were some significant falls however for Irish Continental Group (down 41c to €12) and Elan (down 17c to €5.26).