A STRONGER tone to most of the leading stocks allowed the Irish market to push ahead marginally, but once again turnover was low, with few signs that investors are convinced the recent uncertainty is over.

As a result, nobody was willing to commit sizeable funds to the market and we may be in for a period of stagnation until the direction of the Wall Street market becomes more apparent.

All attention remains focused on a plethora of US economic statistics due out this week, beginning with employment costs and consumer confidence figures today. Any negative impact on US markets from what are perceived as damaging economic, figures will soon percolate through to the US market and from there to European stock, markets.

Most of the leaders closed higher, with AIB up 3p on 328p Bank of Ireland up 3p on 423 and CBH up 21/2p on 5771/2p while Smurfit was steady on 160p. Outside the leaders, Greencore was unchanged on 300p but Friday's announcement of the £31 million investment in Imperial Holly has been well received, with analysts adding lp to their current year forecasts. Kerry was unchanged on 600p as co-op members voted on the crucial rule changes which would allow the coop stake in the plc go below 51 per cent.

The gilt market also looked to the US for direction, and attention will be focused on the various economic figures due this week. On the domestic front, the NTMA is holding an auction for £150 million of the 2000 variable rate stock. This auction should be well covered.