Modest decline in market

SHARES in Dublin declined yesterday with little newsflow to boost activity. Volumes were traditionally lower on the last trading day before Christmas and the ISEQ was down 15.49 points to 6157.28 at the closing bell.

Financial stocks were mixed. AIB slipped 2c to €15.06 while Bank of Ireland gained a cent to €12.05. On the second line, Anglo Irish Bank advanced to €17.95 while Irish Life & Permanent shed 5c after announcing the sale of Irish Estates Management.

In construction, CRH gave up 8c to €19.75 while Kingspan took a hit of 15c to €7.00. In contrast, Grafton and McInerney both strengthened adding 5c and 10c.