Market report:Activity was quiet in the Irish market yesterday as the closure of the US markets for the Presidents' Day holiday and the mid-term break here at home left many people out of the office.

Still, that did not stop the Iseq continuing its upward march as an overall gain of 41.67 points took the index not only to another new record, but also a step closer to the 10,000 level.

As is common on a quiet day, the second strings put in the best performances yesterday, although volumes were light. Exceptions to that rule were the companies formerly known as Fyffes, namely Fyffes itself, its general produce spin off Total Produce and property group Blackrock.

Shares in Blackrock have soared recently amid speculation that a property developer is seeking to build a stake in the group. Yesterday however, Blackrock shares slipped 1 cent, or 1.7 per cent, to close at 58 cent, leaving way for their former associates to shine. Fyffes put in a strong performance, adding 5 cent, or 4.2 per cent, to close at €1.23 as 5.4 million shares changed hands. Total Produce was also a gainer, closing up 3 cent, or 3.9 per cent, at 80 cent. As many as 3.4 million shares traded.

Elsewhere the financials treaded water on light volumes, with only Bank of Ireland managing to get anywhere near the 1 million mark. Independent News & Media was again in focus with more than 1.4 million shares changing hands. The stock, which added 6 cent, or 1.7 per cent, to €3.53, continues to benefit from the presence of telecoms entrepreneur Denis O'Brien on the share register.

Iaws and Kingspan also ended the day higher, but volumes in both were light. Iaws was up 24 cent, at €18.70, while Kingspan added 31 cent, to €20.71.

Settlement day: February 22nd