ISEQ up despite crisis

The Irish Stock Exchange ignored talks of economic doom today to post a gain of 23.12 points to finish on 2,798.47.

The banks all enjoyed gains. Despite the release of an interim statement that revealed a €13bn drain on deposits, Allied Irish Banks rose 2c to 44c. Irish Life and Permanent rose 21c to €1.15, and Bank of Ireland climbed 5c to 48c.

Bookmaker Paddy Power enjoyed the biggest gain of the day, improving 36c to €29.20. FBD was up 30c to €6.07.

Elsewhere, there were impressive gains for First Derivatives (up 27c to €5.05), DCC (up 24c to €20.58) and Dragon Oil (up 12c to €5.35).

Donegal Creameries lost 15c to €4.20 and Smurfit Kappa was down 14c to €7.55.