Leading industrial stocks put in a strong performance, albeit in thin trading, on the Dublin market yesterday - at the close, the industrial index was little more than one per cent off its high of last March. But in contrast, financial shares continued to fare dismally, limiting gains for the overall index. CRH and Eircom were the stars of the industrials, with CRH hit ting a high of €21.30 (£16.78) before closing up 98 cents on the day at €20.98 (£16.52). Eircom also did well and rose 18 cents to €4.28 (£3.37), with dealers reporting some bid interest at that level.
Smurfit was the only one of the bigger industrial stocks to lose ground, easing back 3 cents to €2.95 (£2.32), but the new year prospects for the group are good given the expectation of another linerboard price increase. Telecoms junior ITG was another star, jumping €1.00 to €9.50, Ryanair was 30 cents firmer on €10.30 (£7.48) and Golden Vale continued its good run, closing another cent firmer on €1.15 (£0.91).
Baltimore was the best Irish performer on the Nasdaq in New York, trading almost $4 higher on $76 1/2 after it jumped another £1.12 in London to £46.62 sterling.
Financials continued their dismal run, with AIB 5 cents easier on €11.25 (£8.86), Bank of Ireland down 14 cents on €7.90 (£6.22) and First Active down 5 cents to a new low of €2.00 (£1.58). Irish Life & Permanent managed to hold its position on €9.70 (£7.64).
