BANK of Ireland reached a new high in an otherwise lacklustre market, jumping 6p to close at 505p. The shares traded actively in some volume. Some £39 million was added to the value of the bank. Allied Irish Banks traded actively but slipped 3p, closing at 372p.

The financials moved ahead against a weaker market trend, boosted by lower than expected September growth figures from the US. The markets took reassurance from US figures which indicated no upward pressure on US interest rates.

CRH continued to suffer from profit taking, falling 5p to close at 620p.

After its strong run in recent weeks, when it reached an all time high of 685p, Kerry slipped back this week in line with the market. It lost 10p overnight to close at 660p.

After good results Tullow fell 7 3/4p sterling to 92p in London. The shares did not trade in Dublin but were quoted offered at 93p, below the last trade at 96p. The fall reflected concerns about the extension of exploration activities after the recent disappointing results in Pakistan.

On the bond market, prices fell in line with volatility and uncertainty on international markets. There was some profit taking in Dublin with some foreign investors selling Government bonds. "The markets look tired people were looking for reasons to take profits," according to one dealer.

Medium to long term bond prices fell between 35p and 40p.