ISEQ reflects continuing growth
The ISEQ began the day on a positive note moving into the black by 30.15 points this morning.
Buoyed by news of Ireland's continuing economic growth in 2006 the ISEQ climbed to 8202.65 as the Central Statistic Office announced that the country's gross domestic product is moving forward at an annual rate of 5% compared to the same time last year.
Movement on the financial front reflected this general optimism as AIB, Anglo Irish Bank and IL&P all surged ahead. IL&P charged forward by 46c to €20.01 while Anglo Irish Bank and AIB moved steadily onwards by 3c each to €12.83 and €20.95 respectively.
Meanwhile Bank of Ireland slowed the pace slightly in a 2c decrease to €15.40.
Airline investors however lost no time in taking advantage of the general mood of optimism boosting both Ryanair and ISEQ-newcomer Aer Lingus by 6 and 8c to €8.40 and €2.45 respectively.
Ryanair continues to expand announcing further invests of €220m in four new Boeing 737-800 aircraft and 17 new routes that the airline says will deliver one million additional passengers every year.
This expansion brings to 40 the number of Ryanair routes from Barcelona.
