Dublin report: The Irish market closed only marginally stronger yesterday, but still posted another record high. The Iseq edged ahead by 18.07 points or 0.19 per cent as a general absence of stock-specific news offered little focus.
An announcement by CRH that it is to invest €200 million through its Irish Cement division to modernise its Platin works near Drogheda failed to lift the company. It shed five cent to finish at €30.90.
The European Commission's announcement that it had decided to open an in-depth - or Phase II - review of the proposed Ryanair takeover of Aer Lingus had little impact on the low-cost airline's price, which advanced two cent to close the day at €10.10 on light enough volumes. Aer Lingus was unchanged at €2.73.
Despite an upbeat report from Tullow Oil, the oil and gas explorer shed 11 cent to finish at €5.89.
Manufacturer and distributor of bathroom suites Qualceram Shires enjoyed a positive day's trading, notching up seven cent to €2.16. Earlier in the day it had announced that Brendan Whooley would step down from the board from January 1st. Former company secretary and group financial controller Aidan Clince has been appointed his successor.
Building materials and DIY group Grafton, which slipped two cents on Wednesday, rebounded yesterday, picking up 20 cents to €12.37.
Financials enjoyed a mixed day, with the two big banks emerging as the stronger performers. AIB led the way, picking up 29 cent to close at €23, while Bank of Ireland was 17 cent stronger at €17.27. Irish Life & Permanent shed five cent to end the day at €21.00, while Anglo Irish slipped back one cent to €15.42.
