ISEQ shows gain

The ISEQ index of Irish shares bucked some international trends today, showing a modest but welcome gain of 15.03 points to finish the day on 3,023.73.

In the financial sector, Irish Life and Permanent led the way, climbing 10c to €3.19. Allied Irish Banks improved 3c to €1.40, with Bank of Ireland inching up 1c to €1.17.

The construction sector also showed some growth. Grafton was 13c better off on €3.13, with CRH up 11c to €17.95.

Kerry Group enjoyed the biggest of the day, shooting up 27c to €23.67.

Elan was 18c to the good on €5.43. Elan (up 18c to €5.43), DCC (up 15c to €19.47) and FBD (up 12c to €6.27) all did well.

The only loss of significance came for Smurfit Kappa, falling 20c to €6.30.