ISEQ falls, bucking European trend

THE ISEQ index closed down slightly yesterday, in contrast to an upward trend across Europe. The Dublin market fell 14.79 points to 6808.91.

The financial sector was the catalyst as AIB fell 10c to €17.88, Bank of Ireland closed down 15c to €13.12, Irish Life & Permanent dropped 2c but Anglo Irish climbed 5c.

In construction, CRH slipped back by 25c to €22.60. Grafton, who are due to report on September 13, gained 14c to €9.04 on the back of positive market sentiment.

Elsewhere, low fares airline Ryanair announced they would not levy fuel surcharges on tickets, but high crude oil rises left the stock unchanged on the day.

Jurys Doyle jumped 50c to €18.45 as the battle for control of the hotel group intensifies. Paddy Power rose 39c to e14.80, with 500,000 shares traded.