AIB seen as being closer to returning cash to shareholders

AIB's raising of €500m through an earlier-than-expected bond sale this week boosts the chances of the bank returning capital to shareholders next year, according to Davy.

AIB - which is still more than 70% owned by the State - recieved €3.6bn in offers for the €500m in bonds, or so-called additional tier-1 (AT1) notes, it sold this week.