ISEQ up slightly

There were contrasting fortunes for the financials today as the ISEQ index enjoyed a welcome gain of 28.27 points to finish on 3,177.77.

Bank of Ireland shot up 31c to €1.60, as it announced that it would be seeking private investment to resist Government attempts to gain effective control of the bank. Allied Irish Banks declined 5c to €1.20, but Irish Life & Permanent climbed 11c to €2.94.

There were some good gains on the Exchange, with both Irish Continental Group and Smurfit Kappa adding 10c to finish on €15.70 and €6.17 respectively.

C&C was 11c up to €3.35. Elan was 12c better off on €5.58, with Paddy Power shooting up 27c to €26.35.

Some significant losses elsewhere prevented the ISEQ recording a 1% overall gain however, chiefly CRH, which slumped 11c to €18.49.

Icon (down 37c to €19.08), Kerry Group (down 35c to €23) and Glanbia (down 13c to €2.99) also showed losses.