ISEQ up as Anglo Irish surges ahead
The ISEQ index climbed 8.43 points to 6,016.90 today, buoyed by a strong performance from Anglo Irish Bank.
Shares in Anglo-Irish surged 74c to €16.42 today. Anglo Irish Bank today published increased pre-tax profits up 45% to €504.1m for the year to 30 September 2004.
The bank's pre-tax profits in 2003 were €346.5m.
Shares in Allied Irish Bank rose 3c to €14.60 while shares in Bank of Ireland climbed 12c to €11.73.
Shares in Irish Life & Permanent slipped 5c to €13.20.
Meanwhile, shares in pharmaceutical giant Elan fell back 3c to €20.87 despite news that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Tysabri, formerly referred to as Antegren, as treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Phone company eircom today announced operating profit for the first six months of the year increased by 52% to €128m, before restructuring and exceptional operating costs.
But the company warned the value of calls made on the eircom network has fallen as more customers switch to mobile phones, it emerged today. Shares in eircom gained 2c to €1.69 today.
Ryanair shares climbed 3c today to €5.08. The airline today announced expansion plans into the Italian market following the collapse of Italian airline Volare on Friday last.
The most traded shares today were Anglo Irish Bank, CRH, Bank of Ireland, AIB and eircom.
