Market Report: The Iseq rose to yet another record yesterday, moving well above the 9,000 level on what was a very strong day for global stock markets, writes Claire Shoesmith.

In London, the FTSE closed at 5½-year high while, in the US, markets were up on the back of unexpectedly flat consumer price data, which commentators said may signal that economic growth and inflation are coming under control.

The Iseq had several star performers, which helped push the index up 1.5 per cent, to a record closing level of 9,222.30.

The financials performed very well amid significant demand from investors. Bank of Ireland lead the gains, ending the day up 59 cent, or 3.5 per cent, at €17.34. AIB wasn't far behind, rising 75 cent, or 3.4 per cent, to close at €22.70. Demand was good for both stocks, with 2.9 and 2.4 million units respectively changing hands.

Anglo Irish Bank, which has in recent times been very strong, added only 13 cent, to close at €15.63. Irish Life & Permanent was also quiet, ending the day unchanged at €21, though dealers welcomed the fact it had held on to the significant gains made on Thursday following the upgrades to its full-year results.

Irish Continental lost some of the gains it made on Thursday, falling 30 cent, or 2.1 per cent, to end the day at €14.30.

Elsewhere Elan was a gainer after it said it had asked US regulators to approve use of its multiple sclerosis drug, Tysabri, to treat Crohn's disease. The stock rose 31 cent, or 3 per cent, to €10.81. In the same sector, United Drug continued its recent good run, adding 17 cent, or 4.7 per cent, to end the day at €3.80.

CRH and C&C were also strong. CRH was up 30 cent, or 1 per cent, at €30.05, while C&C rose 23 cent, or 1.9 per cent, to closed at €12.53.