European equity markets started the week on a positive footing with most adding to Friday’s gains, albeit modestly as investors treaded causally ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting. Stocks in Dublin were no different as the Iseq added 2.38 points to close on 3,917.9.

There was positive news closer to home as CSO figures released yesterday showed, in GDP terms, that the Irish economy grew 0.9% in 2012 — the second year of growth in a row after years of recession.

Markets across the eurozone were slightly weaker again today, mixed regional reporting figures coming from the U.S and negativity from the US Federal Reserve being the main catalyst.

The Iseq index continued its ascent following recent surges in world markets in response to the US fiscal cliff recovery.

European markets were positive across the board yesterday as speculation surrounding bond rescue plans and hints that a further Chinese stimulus package may be unveiled boosted investor appetite.