Irish shares in buying spree as European stocks hit record high 

The buying spree was sparked after figures on the cooling US inflation did little to hinder bets for an interest rate cut by the US Fed in June

Germany's Dax also ended at a fresh record high after its national consumer data showed inflation eased in February.

Irish shares joined in a global rally that saw European stock markets reach all-time highs on expectations, that both US and European Central Bank (ECB) official interest rates will soon start heading significantly lower, following almost two years of aggressive hikes.

The stock index that tracks 600 of Europe’s largest companies closed at a record high, led by a broad range of buying across many industrial sectors — including car makers and banks — which will likely have much to gain when the ECB starts cutting interest rates.