ABN-Amro has issued its share recommendations for the second quarter of 2000. Its list focuses mainly on the larger capitalised Irish stocks and ranks Elan, AIB, Bank of Ireland, Baltimore Technologies, Smurfit, Galen, Iona and Anglo Irish Bank as buys for investors. Among the second-line sector, the broker favours Jurys and Barlo.

ABN-Amro expects Elan's share price to make further progress over the next three months albeit at a slower pace. The stock has risen in value by 85 per cent since December although concerns have been expressed in relation to the launch of Zinconotide. The broker says these concerns have been overdone and expects the drug will be launched by the end of the year.

It has also changed its stance on AIB, which it ranked as a hold in the first quarter based on macro concerns for the sector. It has now been upgraded to a buy, noting its recent Internet-related announcements which indicate AIB is probably the most proactive of the Irish financials on the e-commerce front.

It reiterates its expectation of further growth from Baltimore Technologies. ABN-Amro says that with a strengthening international presence and its strong sales growth, Baltimore represents one of the best European information technology security investments.