THE ISEQ Index performed strongly, closing up 119.95 at 7,646.81 despite fears that the European Central Bank will announce an interest rate rise today. The banking and construction stocks were the primary drivers yesterday.

SHARES in Dublin continued to decline due to profit taking among the heavyweights. The ISEQ Index decreased by 65.72 points to close at 7467.85.

SHARES in Dublin rebounded following overnight consumer confidence data in the US. The heavyweights led the charge as the ISEQ climbed 11.78 points to 5321.71.

THE Irish market regained some of yesterday’s losses, ending the week on a positive footing for the third day in five.

AIB has become the first Irish bank to offer interest to business customers who maintain a credit balance in their current account provided the company commits to banking online.