Market continues downward slide

THE Irish market fell for a second consecutive day yesterday, dropping 23.47 points to finish at 6668.44.

The financial sector gave up 79.55 points overall. AIB shed 21c to €17.62, while Bank of Ireland closed 9c lighter at €12.90. Anglo Irish Bank slipped to €10.85, while Irish Life & Permanent bucked the trend by gaining 5c.

In construction CRH and Grafton Group were both weaker, losing 10 and 3c respectively. On the upside Kingspan gained 5c to €10.50 while McInerney advanced 4c.