DUBLIN REPORT: Iseq: 2,700.93 (+19.58) Settlement date: July 22ndTHE IRISH Stock Exchange closed up slightly at 2700.93 yesterday, boosted largely by gains made by market heavyweight CRH.

Brokers said the Iseq’s biggest stock had a strong day following positive data coming out of the US housing sector. The building materials group jumped 4.28 per cent to close at €16.32.

However, Kingspan Group failed to make similar gains, sliding 4.46 to €4.27.

Cider maker C&C continued its strong gains from yesterday, rising 3.27 per cent to finish the day at €2.117. Brokers said the stock benefited from strong data released in the UK, including a 7 per cent rise in sales in bars and restaurants during May, compared to the previous month.

Irish banks closed down yesterday, with one broker suggesting that profit was taken from gains made during the week. Irish Life & Permanent was the hardest hit, dropping 5.43 per cent to end the day at €2.84.

Allied Irish Banks followed the trend, dipping to €1.71, a decline of 3.66 per cent.

Bank of Ireland produced the best financial results, slumping 2.64 per cent to €1.663.

DCC had a strong day in the markets, following the announcement that its first-quarter operating profit was ahead of budget. The stock increased 1.66 per cent to finish at €14.73.

Meanwhile, the announcement of Christoph Mueller as the new chief executive of Aer Lingus had a slight effect on the stock – it rose 3.77 per cent to end at €4.37, although brokers pointed out that trading volumes were light.

However, no-frills airline Ryanair failed to make similar gains and dropped 2.59 per cent to close at €3.20.

Independent News & Media failed to attract buyer interest and suffered a poor performance, dipping 10.71 per cent to €0.25.