ISEQ close to 7500
The ISEQ index of Irish shares edged closer to the 7500 threshold today, finishing up 52.35 points to 7482.43.
Construction company CRH rose 20c to €25.50 after it said today it expects pre-tax profits of more than €1.25bn for 2005.
In a trading statement, the company today said first half activity benefited from strong organic growth in American operations and this, combined with incremental contributions from 2004 and 2005 acquisitions resulted in a €64m increase in profit before tax to €383m.
In Ireland , CRH reported continuing strength in residential construction, recovery in commercial and industrial and ongoing investment in infrastructure.
Activities in Finland and the Baltic states picked up steadily through the second half of the year, while deman in Polish operations also strengthened during the second half.
The financials enjoyed mostly good fortunes. Bank of Ireland rose 24c to €13.82, Anglo Irish Bank rose 10c top €12.92 and AIB gained 2c to stand at €18.32.
However, Irish Life and Permanent fell 23c to €16.80.
Oil stocks also recorded mixed fortunes. Dragon Oil rose 11c to €3.05 while Tullow Oil fell 5c to €4.10.
Bookmaker Paddy Power rose 13c to €12.78.
Elan rose 11c to €11.65.
