ISEQ up almost 1%

The ISEQ index of Irish shares gained 29.33 points to 3,046.50 by 12.45pm today, a rise of 0.97%.

Among notable risers, DCC added 44c to €19.43; CRH was up 33c to €19.07; Elan Corp lifted 20c to €4.55; Smurfit Kappa was also up 20c, to €6.45; Paddy Power added 15c to €25.15; Glanbia gained 9c to €3.23; Ryanair climbed 7c to €3.67 and Norkom was up 5c to €1.45.

On the fallers' board, Kerry Group slid 13c to €22.77.

Financial stocks were mixed, with AIB down 5c to €0.88, Bank of Ireland slipping 2c to €0.76 and Irish Life & Permanent up 1c to €1.68.