ISEQ closes higher on CRH, financials
The ISEQ index in Dublin at the close of play jumped 35.85 points today, or 0.76%, to 4751.86 led by CRH and the financials.
The banks put in a strong performance, Anglo closed up €0.10 to €11.40. The bank's CEO, Sean Fitzpatrick, announced today he is to step down by early 2005.
BOI was up €0.30 to €10.60 after the bank said it had bought a further €4.4m of its own shares. Irish L&P was up €0.15 to €11.90. Abbey was €0.15 lighter to €6.30.
First Active was up €0.02 to €6.16 following the announcement today that the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority has formally given its approval in respect of the acquisition of the company by Royal Bank of Scotland.
Building stock CRH was the star of the day. Its share price jumped €0.73 to €16.25 after a report from Davy Stockbrokers this morning forecast double digit growth for the next two years. Heiton also rose, adding €0.05 to €3.75.
Elsewhere, Independent News & Media added €0.04 to €2.06 after news that it was to launch a €125m bond.
Fallers included Kerry group, down €0.20 to €14.65 and hotel group Jury's, which fell €0.20 to €9.90.
