THE Irish market broke the 2,700 level for the ISEQ to reach a new high as bond prices continued to strengthen. Both markets were boosted by Wall Street's and London's enthusiastic response to the US employment figures.

On the equity side, financial shares benefited once again from the surge in bond prices. Bank of Ireland regained its all-time high after some early weakness and closed unchanged on 500p while AIB was half a penny higher on 375 1/2p Irish Life, which has traded in huge volumes this week, reached another new high with a 2p jump to 263p.

Speculation on the future of the Credit Lyonnais stake continued to spur Woodchester, which gained 5p to 217p, a gain of 25p on the week. Other financials were also firmer with Anglo Irish up 1p to 72p and Irish Permanent also up 1p on 454p.

Industrials were mixed but generally firm. CRH hit some early profit-taking but recovered to close down 1p on 645p, Greencore gained 1 1/2p to 356 1/2p while Hibernian jumped 10p to 285p.

The surprise rise in the US jobless figures boosted international bond markets and the Irish market once again rose sharply in heavy turnover. The focus of attention remained fixed on the short to medium end of the market. Five-year gilts gained almost 50p on the day to close on a yield of 5.88 per cent while 10-year gilts also gained 50p to close on a yield of 6.70 per cent.