THIS WEEK IN THE MARKETS

THE Irish market began and ended quietly, with activity in the early part of the week being dominated by bed and breakfast activity.

Prices hardened as the week progressed and Thursday saw some interest in second line stocks.

CRH put in one of the week's best performances. On Tuesday, it hit its all time high of 570p, during the day, before slipping to close at 567p.

Demand for the share has been especially strong from British investors who believe the construction industry is beginning to emerge from the recession.

New arrival Powerscreen also performed we'll during the week and on Tuesday it dealt at 439p, up 21p on its previous price.

Also on Tuesday, Waterford Wedgwood announced pre tax profits of £28.1 million, a 24 per cent increase on 1994. The market reacted favourably, the stock was well bid and it finished 2p up on its previous closing price of 65p.

It managed to maintain its 67p level by close of business on Thursday.

The food stocks also enjoyed a bit of a comeback and analysts say the BSE scare seems to have died down as investors appear to be more comfortable with the stocks.

One analyst said British food investors may be switching into Irish food stocks.

Kerry put in a solid performance throughout the week and closed at 560p on Thursday. Avonmore finished the week unchanged at 145p, while Golden Vale closed 1p weaker at 73p.

The financial stocks also turned in steady performances with AIB opening at 321p and finishing at 328p, and Bank of Ireland beginning the week at 418p, but gaining 11p by close of business on Thursday to finish at 429p.

On Thursday, Reflex reported a return to operating profits for 1995 and a fall in pre tax losses. The market reacted by adding 1/2p to its share price.

Other notable movers during the week were Arnotts, which gained 22p on the back of an announcement that its expansion plan at Henry Street had been sanctioned, and Norish which put on 20p during the week.

All eyes this week will be on Smurfit's results. It edged down a penny to close at 156p in a late deal on Thursday. Analysts said they felt the stock would not dip below the 150 mark again.

The British market ended the week on a high note. A combination of Wall Street and continuing takeover speculation kept shares on the boil, analysts said.