A recovery in the US technology sector helped boost markets yesterday, with stocks in Dublin mostly making gains. Technology groups such as Iona and Smartforce made a good recovery in the US notching up hefty gains. When the Dublin market closed, Iona's share price was up 7 per cent at $55.63 while Smartforce had added 10 per cent reaching $30.68. In Dublin Iona ended the day up €2 at €53. Riverdeep also went stronger adding 20 cents to €3.30.

Eircom benefited from a recovery in Vodafone, which gained almost 10p to close at £2.26 sterling. Eircom added 10 cents closing at €2.50, with telecoms stocks internationally all faring better on the day.

The banks enjoyed mixed fortunes with AIB reversing some of this week's losses, rising 22 cents to €13.12. Bank of Ireland, though, continued to struggle with the stock off 17 cents at €9.60.

Anglo Irish Bank went two cents better at €3.17, First Active was also up four cents at €2.25, and Irish Life & Permanent gained three cents to €12.28. Elan improved in the US and managed to add €1.75 in Dublin to close at €48.75. CRH was again hit by weakness, with the stock drifting 24 cents lower to €19.66.

Jurys Doyle Hotel Group reported interim figures that were broadly in line with expectations. Its shares had enjoyed a good run ahead of the announcement and were unchanged at €9.15 yesterday. ITG also produced good figures today, and rose 60 cents to €7.40.