The stock market enjoyed another relatively active day yesterday, driven by strong interest in financials. It closed the day up just over 44 points at 6,386.91.

Bank stocks enjoyed a good rally in the morning on the back of commentary that they are now likely acquisition targets for UK financial institutions following the decision by the UK competition commission to block Lloyds TSB's bid for fellow British bank Abbey National.

Despite giving up some of the gains in the afternoon, all of the Irish financials finished stronger. Bank of Ireland made the biggest gains, jumping 14 cents to €11.57 on volumes of nearly 2.4 million shares, while AIB advanced 10 cents to €13.10, with more than 700,000 shares changing hands. Irish Life & Permanent picked up 10 cents on small volumes, with First Active closing the day four cents higher at €2.98.

Elsewhere, Food stocks were enjoying a mixed run, with Glanbia making decent gains. It continued its good run, breaking the €1 barrier. It advanced six cents to €1.02 with nearly 1.5 million shares traded. Golden Vale picked up one cent, while Kerry, which traded up earlier, closed the day unchanged at €13.75. Despite some aggressive trading of its shares early in the day, Fyffes finished six cents weaker at €1.26 with more than 2.7 million shares changing hands.

Among the leading industrials, CRH was firmer on the day, closing 42 cents up at €20.62, while Elan picked up 41 cents to €71.91.

Technology stocks enjoyed a good day. Baltimore gained 6p to 25p sterling following the announcement of the departure of its chief executive, Mr Fran Rooney. Parthus was 4.5p firmer at 55.5p sterling and Horizon regained some of the previous day's losses to close 15 cents stronger at €1.20.