MARKET REPORT: The Irish stock market gained nearly 1 per cent yesterday, lifted by an improved tone on international stock markets and a good performance from most of the leading stocks.

Robust results in both the US and the UK helped assuage investors' worries and pushed the ISEQ up by 47 points.

In the banking sector, AIB added 13 cents to €11.93, while Anglo Irish Bank, which has been under pressure of late, closed 27 cents, or 2.25 per cent, higher at €12.27.

Irish Life & Permanent also gained ground, closing 20 cents higher at €12.55. Only Bank of Ireland gave up ground, finishing at €9.89, down six cents on the day.

United Drug provided one of the few news stories yesterday, reporting first-half results that were marginally ahead of expectations. The shares lost five cents to €2.55, however, amid profit-taking.

In the pharmaceutical sector, Galen had a good day, gaining 77 cents or nearly 7 per cent in Dublin to €12.27. But it did not fare as well in London, where it is mainly traded, as it lost 10.5 pence sterling, or more than 1 per cent, to 759.5p.

Elan also gained ground yesterday, closing 23 cents higher at €18.68.

Elsewhere, Ryanair shares moved ahead, adding 15 cents or more than 3 per cent to €4.50. But CRH did not do as well, closing two cents lower at €17.35.

DCC gained 20 cents, or 1.6 per cent, to €12.95 in the wake of its full-year results, which prompted upgrades from several analysts.

The shares were also helped by news that the company had bought back a further 2.5 per cent of its stock at a price of €12.80 per share.

Glanbia lost 10 cents to €2.20, despite telling shareholders at its annual meeting in Kilkenny that trading this year was due to be in line with market expectations.

Other movers on the day included Paddy Power, which gained 30 cents, or more than 3 per cent, to €9.60.