The ISEQ consolidated on Wednesday's recovery moving ahead by a further 2 per cent yesterday in a buoyant international climate and amid positive sentiment on the leading Irish stocks.
The index moved up 2.3 per cent as the main banks shrugged off recent negative perception and depressed share prices. AIB was up the equivalent of 71 cents to £8.73 sterling (€13.45) in heavy trading, but the index was also bolstered by Bank of Ireland which moved up 25 cents to €16.55 (£13.03).
Dealers said there was strong interest internationally following indications that the US Federal Reserve would not be making any further interest rate increases after the 0.25 point rise announced on Wednesday.
Other financial stocks followed suit on the news, with Anglo Irish closing 11 cents higher at €2.50 (£1.97), Irish Life & Permanent up 10 cents to €10.35 (£8.15) and Norwich Union up 25.5 cents to €6.75 (£5.32).
Leading industrials stocks also benefited from the overseas interest. CRH made up for losses earlier in the week, closing up 60 cents to €17.80 (£14.02), and Smurfit closed up 14.5 cents to €2.42 (£1.91).
As Jurys announced a pre-tax profit of €29.4 million (£23.2 million) for the year to April 30th, Jurys Doyle was 10 cents ahead at €7.80 (£6.14).
Among other second liners, Waterford Wedgwood was up 5 cents to €1.05 (83p), Crean nudged another 2 cents higher to €1.17 (92p) as its de-merger approaches, and Greencore moved 3 cents higher to €3.03 (£2.39).
Among other food stocks, Glanbia was up 3.5 cents to €1.385 (£1.09), Golden Vale was up 5 cents to €1.15 (91p) and Kerry was down 20 cents at €11.50 (£9.06).
Pharmaceutical stock Elan was 43 cents higher at €28.28 (£22.27) but was unchanged at $28.0625 in New York by the close of the ISEQ. On the Nasdaq, Iona was back 4.19 per cent to $20 following a neutral rating of the clinical research company by JC Bradford.
