THE Irish market managed to make some gains despite Wall Street slipping into further profit taking in late afternoon, but it may find it difficult to consolidate further on Monday.
Greencore saw good activity, with higher than usual volumes, dealers said. The company put on 5p to close at 565p in Dublin. The last trade, through London, was still higher at 583p sterling.
"The stock has good defensive qualities and is constantly in demand from overseas," one trader said. Other traders noted that it was an illiquid stock and that small orders could drive up the price substantially.
Oversees interest also boosted CRH's price to 517p, although it slipped 2p in late trading to close at 515p, from 502p at the previous close.
"It ran up very quickly in London after the company did some presentations over there. It also won a recommendation from a London brokerage," a trader said.
Allied Irish Bank (AIB) firmed 7p to 358p as positive sentiment continued form its better than expected results on Tuesday. The banking group is also going exdividend on Monday so there was some buying interest from income funds, traders noted.
Bank of Ireland, however, closed down a penny at 439p. There was talk in the market that one domestic institution was switching from the stock into AIB.
Irish Life put on 1p to finish at 249p and Irish Permanent also gained a penny to close at 401p.
