Boost for ISEQ

The ISEQ index of Irish shares increased by almost 1.5% today, gaining 45.80 to finish on 3,355.69.

The financial sector did well. Both Allied Irish Banks and Irish Life and Permanent grew 11c to €1.55 and €3.49 respectively. Bank of Ireland inched up 3c to €1.67.

The construction sector was also on the up. Kingspan led the way, gaining 35c to €7.45. CRH (up 26c to €18.95) and Grafton Group (up 11c to €3.43) also showed some positive movement.

DCC enjoyed the biggest gain of the day, shooting up 53c to €21.18.

In the energy sector, Tullow Oil led the way, climbing 21c to €14.90. Dragon Oil improved 10c to €5.53.

Other gains included Merrion Pharmacies (up 22c to €4.22) and Irish Continental Group (up 10c to €16.90).

There was mixed results in the pharmaceutical sector. United Drug was 12c to the good on €2.77, but Elan slid 13c to €5.91.

Paddy Power was the only other loss of note, sliding 12c to €26.70.