Dublin Report: The Iseq ended the day marginally ahead yesterday, though it trailed its European counterparts.

Better-than-expected US consumer confidence figures boosted investor sentiment around the world, helping lift stocks after what Irish dealers described as a lacklustre start to the day. Volumes were mixed.

Activity in low-cost airline Ryanair was strong, with more than 5.5 million shares changing hands after it said it had hedged its fuel requirements for the first three months of 2007 at a rate equivalent to $73 a barrel. The stock fell immediately as the market digested the news and came to the conclusion that the price was high considering the recent declines in the price of oil to around $60 - its lowest level since March.

However, following the initial declines, the stock spent the rest of the day recovering and closed down just six cent, or 0.7 per cent, at €8.39.

Food group IAWS also attracted some attention, but not the kind the company would have liked. The stock dropped 69 cent, or 4.4 per cent, to end the day at €14.86 despite reporting positive full-year results.

Volume was minimal, with only 131,000 shares changing hands and dealers said the declines were not reflective of the results but due to a recent good run in the stock and some profit taking. Elsewhere, Anglo Irish and Bank of Ireland put in good performances, both rising by 1.2 per cent to €12.84 and €15.34 respectively. Irish Life & Permanent, however, was disappointing, slipping 29 cent, or 1.5 per cent, to €19.26.

Building materials group CRH also delivered solid gains, benefiting from positive sentiment in the sector.

The stock added 35 cent, or 1.3 per cent, to €26.85.

Settlement Date: September 29th