DUBLIN REPORT: The Irish stock market edged higher, helped by a solid performance from financial stocks.

Dealers reported good interest in Anglo Irish Bank with around 2.5 million shares dealt as the stock added seven cents to €17.92.

Strong third quarter economic growth data, showing that Irish GDP grew by 5.8 per cent in the third quarter of the year, helped to underpin the sector which is heavily exposed to the Irish economy. AIB advanced by 13 cents to €15.08 and Bank of Ireland gained four cents to €12.04. Irish Life & Permanent also closed higher, adding five cents to €13.65.

Among industrial stocks, Independent News & Media added four cents to €2.30 after issuing a positive trading statement and announcing plans to move into the Indian market at a cost of €25.5 million.

"Their operations are quite buoyant. Revenues, circulation and advertising spend are up so it all points in one direction," one trader noted.

Oil price weakness helped lift shares in Ryanair which closed eight cents higher at €5.35 while building materials group CRH also firmed by eight cents to €19.83.

Fyffes shares, which have been under pressure following revelations in its court case against DCC, recovered some poise yesterday. Following heavy trading - nearly 6.5 million shares changed hands - the stock close one cent higher at €1.89. Meanwhile, DCC continued to move ahead, gaining a further 20 cents to €16.25.

Other movers yesterday included Eircom, which added five cents or nearly 3 per cent, to €1.77. Greencore added nine cent, or 3 per cent, to €3.04.

Kingspan, which earlier this week announced it had raised €350 million through a credit facility to fund expansion, gained 10 cents to €7.15.

IFG Group, which announced plans to sell off the bulk of an employee leasing business in which it is involved, added two cents to €0.79.Dublin ReportSettlement Day: December 30th