ISEQ up in early trading
The ISEQ index of shares was 17.32 points ahead to 8136.1 at noon today.
A number of companies listed on the Dublin market posted positive results this morning.
Bookmaker Paddy Power today announced an 11% hike in profits for the first six months of 2006.
Turnover was up 27% to €878, with the World Cup alone accounting for €48m of that. Paddy Power shares were down 3c to €14.27 today.
Meanwhile, FBD shares jumped ahead 40c to €39 as the insurer reported that its first half operating profit fell from €86.9m to €75.7m, a fall of 13%.
Earnings per share fell from 173.11 to 192.07.
Meanwhile, Tullow oil shares dipped 5c to €5.75 as it announced record profits and cash flow for the first half of 2006.
It said increased trading and production, along with "continuing favourable oil and gas pricing" led to a 51% increase in profit after tax from £63.1m (€93m) to £95.4m (€140.6m).
Elsewhere, pharmaceutical giant Elan had a good morning, up 24c to €12.65.
