DUBLIN REPORT: Iseq: 2,751.96 (+57.34) Settlement Date: December 7thTHE ISEQ moved up in line with international markets yesterday, spurred ahead by news that the European Central Bank would maintain its liquidity measures.

An unexpected jump in US pending home sales also helped markets in general, with CRH the main Irish beneficiary of the news.

The market heavyweight added 102 cent, or 7.4 per cent, to close at €14.85, thus helping the overall index to a 2.13 per cent positive finish. Kingspan also benefited from the sectoral trend, finishing 18.8 cent higher at €6.40, although merchanting company Grafton failed to do the same, weakening by 5.2 cent to end the session at €2.90.

Elsewhere, DCC was strong, moving ahead by 42 cent to €20.90 as investors eyed the likely boost cold weather could provide for its fuels business.

The airlines, also potentially affected by the cold weather, were a mixed bag, with Ryanair shedding 0.5 cent to close at €3.92, and Aer Lingus rising by 1.2 cent to €1.092.

The banks had a good day for the most part, although AIB closed 0.1 cent weaker at 34 cent. Bank of Ireland was 0.4 cent firmer at 32.2 cent.

Irish Life Permanent was the star as it added 1.3 cent to close at €1.04.

Food stocks were also in good shape, with Kerry up by 13 cent at €24.80, and Greencore ahead by 3.5 cent at €1.455. Aryzta ticked up by 5 cent to close at €32.35, and Origin climbed by 2 cent to €3.28. Glanbia moved up by 15 cent to €3.40, while Fyffes added 2 cent to reach 33 cent.

Other positive movers on the day included Paddy Power, which finished 70 cent stronger at €29.75, and Smurfit Kappa, which was up 6 cent at €7.05.

On the losing side was takeover target Norkom, where shares tumbled by 12 cent, or 9.5 per cent, to €1.15, albeit on fairly light volume.