ISEQ index closes lighter

THE ISEQ index closed lighter for the second consecutive day yesterday. The Dublin market shed 29.16 points to finish the day at 6781.48.

In the financial sector, AIB reported a strong interim trading statement showing Pre-Tax Profits up on market expectations. Despite this the stock lost 17c, with profit taking the order of the day, to end at €17.80. Bank of Ireland also dropped in value down 6c to €13.75. Anglo-Irish bucked the trend of Irish banks rising 5c to €11.02.

Paddy Power is to consider the purchase of 50 William Hill betting shops in Britain, which William Hill is being forced to sell after its acquisition of StanleyBet. On the back of this news Paddy Power climbed 42c to €15.30.