Mixed day for construction sector

THE Irish market slipped into negative territory as the construction stocks gave up some gains yesterday. The ISEQ finished 4.62 points lower at 6213.65.

The financial sector as a whole ended higher, with AIB up 16c to €16.66 although on low volume, while Bank of Ireland advanced 10c to €12.70. A mixed day in the second line left Anglo down 17c while Irish Life and Permanent ended unchanged.

In construction, CRH took a hit of 39c to €20.63 while Kingspan shed 15c to €9.00. On the positive side, Grafton and McInerney both rose, 15c and 25c stronger respectively.