A strong start by the Nasdaq overshadowed disappointment at the ECB's failure to cut euro zone interest rates today, brokers said. The ISEQ closed 15 points higher at 5,699.95 in brisk trade.
Eircom gained 2 cents to euro 2.56 today having at one stage climbed as high as euro 2.60. Bank of Ireland gained 33 cents to euro 10.00, and AIB pared 10 cents lower to euro 12.00 after strong recent gains.
Iona surged euro 2.16 to euro 33.60 at the open.
The technology-laced US index stormed to a 100-point rally early trade before easing back by early afternoon. Brokers said institutional buyers were resurfacing after the recent bear run.
Irish financial services group IFG reported strong full-year results today. Pre-tax profit rose by 38 per cent to euro 8.2 million. The company was also bullish on growth prospects for 2001. IFG share gaine 9 cents or 4 per cent to euro 2.54.
London's FTSE 100 index was dragged down by the ECB's decision but the losses were limited by further gains for technology stocks.
The benchmark closed down 14.9 at 5,788.1, dropping below the 5,800 mark that it crossed yesterday for the first time since March 12th.