Some major Irish companies focused on global trade fared less well. Insulation giant Kingspan was down almost 2.8 per cent to €54.04, while food group Kerry fell almost 2 per cent to €90.86.The FTSE 100 closed at its highest price since August after seeing a boost from banking stocks and more upbeat sentiment in Asian markets. London’s top index finished the day up 0.51 per cent.
HSBC announced it has agreed to sell its business in Canada to the Royal Bank of Canada for $13.5 billion Canadian . The move sent HSBC’s share price up by 4.4 per cent. William Hill owner 888 has said it is ramping up its cost-saving plans with a new target of £87 million in operating costs in 2023 alone. Shares in 888 edged up by 0.29 per cent.The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed a volatile session 0.1 per cent lower after having risen up to 0.53 per cent. European miners and oil majors gained 2.7 per cent and 1.8 per cent respectively, tracking metal and crude prices, while technology and chemical stocks declined 1.2 per cent and 1.7 per cent.