Dublin report:The Irish market continued its recent gains in line with the rest of Europe yesterday, though volumes were light across the board.

Ryanair was without doubt the highlight, with decent two- way interest reported in the stock following news that it will start trading on the US's Nasdaq 100 index this morning.

Analysts and dealers were in agreement that inclusion in the index, which is made up of the 100 biggest non-financial firms on the Nasdaq exchange, will raise the budget airline's profile. Currently the stock is listed on the Nasdaq Securities Exchange, and this trading accounts for about 28 per cent of the group's total market capitalisation.

The shares yesterday added 31 cent, or 2.5 per cent, to close at €12.59 in Dublin.

Elsewhere DCC was again a mover, though in light volumes. The shares closed up 60 cent, or 2.3 per cent, at €27.30, as speculation continued over the future of the group's 49 per cent stake in Manor Homes.

Another stock up significantly on very light volume was Icon. The clinical trials group yesterday released better-than-expected fourth-quarter and full-year figures, and dealers said they were expecting a series of upgrades on the back of these numbers. Yesterday the stock was up €1.66, or 5.5 per cent, at €32. Only 1,700 shares changed hands, though, as the majority of its trading takes place in the US.

Dealers reported significant volumes in Blackrock and Total Produce, both spin-offs of fruit group Fyffes. Property group Blackrock slipped 1 cent to 57 cent, while Total Produce climbed 1 cent to close at 76 cent, as 3.6 million shares changed hands.

Elsewhere Aer Lingus continued its out-of-favour run, falling 5 cent, or 1.8 per cent, to close at €2.75, amid concerns about strike threats.