I seq: 2,868.83 (+28.41) Settlement date: July 25th:INVESTORS WERE a little more "risk-on" yesterday due to strong US corporate results and a growing sense that a debt crisis solution may come out of today's crunch meeting of euro zone leaders.

Ireland joined in the relief rally that lifted European markets, and the Iseq was almost 1 per cent up on the day.

The market is expecting “something definitive” to come out of today’s summit as Europe attempts to tackle its sovereign debt crisis, a Dublin broker said.

There is “market chatter” that an approach may be agreed that involves buying bonds in secondary markets. “There is no ideal solution, but that may be a short-term panacea,” he said.

Despite growing hopes of a solution being agreed, the mood was nervous on the Irish market, with prices “swinging round” on light volume, he said.

Exploration company Dragon Oil delivered the strongest performance of the day, gaining more than 4 per cent, or 26 cents, to €6.26 ahead of the publication of its first-half update today.

Low fares airline Ryanair also went better in advance of its quarter-one results due out next Monday. The market will be paying particular attention to any quarter two guidance provided. The stock added almost 2 per cent yesterday, or six cents, to close at €3.30.

In the food industry, Kerry undid some of the damage incurred during Tuesday’s session, and put back on 1.5 per cent, or 45 cents, to close at €29.07.

Bakery group Aryzta was also in positive territory, trading up by about ½ per cent to €36.98.

Independent News Media was one of the few losers on the Irish market, shedding more than 7 per cent, or about three cents, to 37 cents, while drug manufacturer Elan gave up to 12.5 cents to close at €8.66.