Encouraging gain for ISEQ

The ISEQ index of Irish shares climbed more than 1% today, finishing 37.07 points to end on 3,407.45.

The financial sector lost ground, however. Irish Life and Permanent was the worst performer, falling 22c to €3.26. Allied Irish Banks (down 5c to €1.55) and Bank of Ireland (down 3c to €1.82) also fell.

Other losses on the Exchange included Icon (down 20c to €20.80) and FBD (down 10c to €7.60).

Other results pushed the ISEQ into the black however. CRH enjoyed the biggest gain, climbing 58c to €20.48.

Paddy Power improved a healthy 26c to €26. DCC (up 17c to €21), Irish Continental Group (up 15c to €17) and Elan (up 10c to €5.70) also did well.