Financial stocks in positive form

EUROPEAN markets slipped back amid continued concern about high oil prices. Shares in Dublin followed this trend, with the ISEQ index 18.68 points lower at 5302.60.

The financial stocks were in positive form. Anglo Irish Bank gained 17c to €13.40. Bank of Ireland rose 8c to €10.75 and Allied Irish Bank added 9c to €12.95.

Irish Life & Permanent slipped 20c to €12.00. Elan Corporation closed 93c weaker at €16.00. Ryanair advanced 10c to €4.35.DCC was up 20c to €14.50, while CRH was down 10c at €18.20.