THE leading stocks had a goods day in Dublin, boosted by a positive performance on Wall Street on Thursday night and yesterday.
Most of the leaders had good support, however dealers said that volume was light, and that overall it was a quiet day. The financials moved ahead with AIB 2p firmer to close at 325p and Bank of Ireland up 5p at 420p. Irish Life, which is at 227p, did not trade while Irish Permanent closed unchanged at, 385p.
Among the industrials CRH was 3p stronger at 575p, Smurfit finished 2p stronger at 160p and Unidare was 7p better at 207p.
Greencore closed unchanged at 295p. Dealers said the market was still absorbing its new acquisition. Greencore has paid more than £31 million for a 27 per cent stake in Imperial Holly Corporation, which is the second largest producer of refined sugar in the US.
The Irish company can increase its stake to 30 per cent in the next five years and above 35 per cent thereafter, but only with the agreement of Imperial's board.
Independent Newspapers was up 5p at 295p after the company made an upbeat institutional presentation in Dublin which focussed on its international business.
Both listed hotel groups slipped back as Jury's lost 10p to close at 240p, while Ryan was 1/2p weaker at 39 1/2p. Green Property also ended the session weaker, down 5p at 230p.
Meanwhile, a degree of nervousness crept into the bond market ahead of what is expected to be an important week for Irish and US rates.
