The ISEQ gained 22 points this morning but trading volume remained thin. Ryanair provided the main focus of attention today reporting a 42 per cent rise in fourth quarter profits.
Volume in the leading banks remained modest with AIB losing 7 cents to euro 12.72, First Active shed 78 cents to euro 2.40 and IL&P held steady at 12.63.
Ryanair fell to early profit-taking to fall 41 cents to 11.90. The low cost airline also said it will raise euro 123 million in new equity to fund the purchase of new 737 aircraft.
London stocks moved back in positive territory, albeit in very cautious trading conditions ahead of this week's British interest rate decision.
AstraZeneca was a big FTSE 100 faller, shedding 80p at £30.16 in nervous trade ahead of its full year results, due on Thursday .
Bank of Scotland fell back 20p to £7.00 after it confirmed plans to raise £193 million sterling via a cash share placing to finance its acquisition of ICC Bank.
Bank of Scotland also confirmed that merger discussions with Abbey National are continuing - yesterday Britain's Office of Fair Trading cleared any possible combination of Abbey and Bank of Scotland.