Dublin's ISEQ index closed at a new record high of 6,499.97 this evening, beating its former high of 6,458, set in June 2001.
The index jumped 72.54 points as today's gains were driven by Anglo Irish Bank, CRH, Elan and Ryanair.
In a note this morning, Davy economist Robbie Kelleher said the Dublin market had gained 4% in the first two weeks of 2005, compared with a flat performance in Europe and a fall of almost 3% in the US markets.
Last year the ISEQ gained 26%, though a dramatic recovery in Elan shares was a major factor. Even without Elan, however, the ISEQ gained around 15% last year.
