Little cheer for investors

THE Irish market fell 84.53 points lower yesterday to 4343.33 as world equity markets continued to fall.

The financial market fell 213.94 points to 8544.56. Allied Irish Bank fell 53c to 12.45 euro and Bank of Ireland closed 11c lower at 11.40 euro. Anglo Irish Bank slipped 20c to 6.10 euro and Irish Life and Permanent lost 37c to 13.60 euro. First Active fell 10c to 4.40 euro. IFG Group rose 10c to 1.80.

In the Industrial sector Jefferson Smurfit Group fell 12c to 2.98 euro on the news that a bidding war for the company is now unlikely. CRH closed 26c lower at 16 and DCC rose 10c to 10.50 euro.

In the pharmaceutical sector Elan Corporation fell 5c to 1.95 euro and Galen Holdings closed 14c lower at 6 euro. United Drug gained 13c to 13.45 euro.

Elsewhere, Riverdeep slipped 10c lower to 2.25 euro, Kingspan rose 6c to 2.18 euro and Jurys Doyle Hotel Group lost 5c to 9.75 euro. Glanbia gained 1c to 1.40 euro and Kerry Group fell 4c to 14.85 euro.