Market Report: The Irish market ended the week surrounded by positive sentiment, even though there was little stock-specific news to drive prices.

Interest in the financials remained strong as the banks continued to benefit from strong credit growth, positive employment data and the looming SSIA bonanza due to be unleashed next year.

The financials all fared well, with Irish Life & Permanent leading the way for the second day running to finish the week at a 52-week high. The stock jumped 40 cent, or 2.6 per cent, to close at €16.10.

Bank of Ireland benefited as investors switched out of AIB, with the stock adding 17 cent to end the day at €13.38. The spread between the two banks is at an all-time high, according to one dealer. AIB did also gain on the day, though only by four cent, closing at €18.62.

Anglo Irish Bank fared slightly better, rising eight cent to end the day at €11.85.

Eircom was again in the spotlight as the Swiss government effectively blocked Swisscom making any takeover bid for the telecoms group by saying it may not buy any foreign company that has a public service function.

Eircom's shares dropped as low €1.90, although they recovered some ground towards the end of the day to close down two cent at €1.94. More than eight million shares changed hands in Dublin alone.

Elsewhere, the news was mainly good for investors in Irish listed companies, with CRH adding 19 cent, to €22.97 after the group benefited from positive sentiment in the US building sector. Grafton also rose, up 29 cent, or 3.6 per cent, to €8.31.

Ryanair had a good day, adding 14 cent, to end the day at €7.50. A drop in the price of jet fuel helped boost interest in the stock, one trader said.

DCC was also a feature. The shares rose 38 cent, or 2.4 per cent, to close at €16.22. Elsewhere Greencore closed up eight cent at €3.38, while Paddy Power added 20 cent to €10.90.

Settlement Day: December 7th