Market Report: The Irish market wasn't alone in its positive move upwards yesterday after better-than- expected gross domestic product (GDP) data out of the US helped lift the European mood.

However, dealers said any continuation of these gains today would depend on the American market's overnight reaction to the US rate decision.

Building materials group CRH was a specific beneficiary of the GDP data. It rose 15 cent, or 0.6 per cent, to end at €25.15.

Among the financials, AIB was the star performer, gaining 37 cent, or 2 per cent, to close at €18.49. As many as 3.2 million shares changed hands.

Dealers cited good two-way volume in Bank of Ireland - 3.7 million shares traded - though the stock remained steady, adding only one cent, to close at €13.66. Anglo Irish Bank fared slightly better, rising 20 cent, or 1.7 per cent, to €11.65.

Shares in Fyffes ended unchanged after rising earlier on the back of a positive trading update from the fruit distributor. The stock closed at €1.36.

C&C was a beneficiary of a positive trading update from rival drinks maker Diageo, which said sales growth in the year to the end of June would be about 6 per cent - ahead of its initial forecast of 4 per cent. C&C added seven cent, or 1.1 per cent, to close at €6.70.

Elan's shares gave up earlier gains to close down 52 cent, or 3.9 per cent, at €12.73. despite saying it had received approval from the European Commission to sell its suspended multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri in Europe.

Insurer FBD continued the good run it had on Wednesday following an announcement of a share buy-back, rising a further 60 cent, or 1.7 per cent, to €36.45.

Another beneficiary of a share buy-back was Kerry, which saw 1.3 million of its shares change hands. The stock added two cent, or 0.1 per cent, to €17.10.

Paddy Power was also among the gainers, rising 15 cent, or 1.1 per cent, to €13.70. One dealer attributed it to an announcement that UK group Party Gaming was seeking acquisitions.