Mixed day for financial sector

THE Irish market slipped for the first time this week with a fall of 14.84 points to 5594.01.

The financials had a mixed day with AIB shedding 2c to €13.33 due to widespread profit-taking. Bank of Ireland were sluggish at €11.37, down 4c, while Anglo looked positive on €14.54, adding 9c.

Diversified construction company Grafton Group reported an increase of 30% on their pre-tax profits, but still fell 15c to €7.20. CRH were solid at €2.48, edging up 2c.