The ISEQ index closed at a new record high this evening, breaking through the 8,000 mark for the first time.
Powered by stronger banking shares, the Dublin market climbed 41 points to close at 8,018.
Meanwhile, the international investment community believes the Irish stock market will outperform its UK and euro zone equivalents over the next 12 to 18 months, according to a recent investor perception study commissioned by IR magazine.
The study reveals that 84% of portfolio managers and analysts polled believe Ireland will outperform the euro zone in the near future. Slightly fewer - 72% - believe that Irish stocks will outperform the UK market.
The survey says that confidence in the Irish Stock Exchange was based on several factors.
These included the general strength of the Irish economy in comparison to other economies; forecasts for GDP growth in 2006; the value of Irish stocks; and the high level of consumer confidence.
