MARKET REPORT: Irish shares surged by more than 2 per cent yesterday, helped by a strong performance on global stock markets in the wake of strong US jobs data.

The figures showed that more than 300,000 jobs were created in the US in March, far outstripping economists' forecasts for a gain of about 100,000.

In Dublin, the gains were led by the financial stocks, particularly AIB. More than five million shares in the bank were traded as the stock gained 35 cents, or nearly 3 per cent, to €12.60.

Bank of Ireland did not fare quite as well but also closed higher, gaining 10 cents or nearly 1 per cent to €10.42.

Anglo Irish Bank also turned in a strong performance, adding 53 cents or more than 4 per cent, to €13.53.

Irish Life & Permanent closed 60 cents, or 4.5 per cent higher, at €14.00.

CRH, however, proved a laggard on the day. Although it gained six cents, or 0.4 per cent, to €16.71, its gains fell well short of those logged elsewhere.

Ryanair, for instance, firmed by 19 cents, or 4 per cent, to €4.86.

Eircom also benefited from the market's strength, closing two cents or 1.4 per cent higher at €1.45.

Elan performed well, gaining 65 cents or nearly 4 per cent to €17.45 in Dublin.

Among secondline stocks, Icon shares had another good day in the wake of strong third-quarter results. The shares added a further $1.01 or 2.5 per cent to $41 on the Nasdaq in addition to Thursday's gain of nearly 13 per cent.

IFG also advanced in the wake of Thursday's results, gaining six cents or 5.4 per cent to €1.17.

Shares in Gresham closed three cents, or 2.6 per cent, higher at €1.18 as the group issued 200 3 results.

But Greencore failed to make headway after announcing the disposal of the remains of its British bread business for €30 million. The shares closed two cents lower at €3.08.