Iseq follows European decline

The ISEQ Index mirrored European bourses to close in negative territory.

The Dublin Exchange weakened by 57.1 points to 7424.78. The financials had a mixed performance with Bank of Ireland making a 3c gain to €13.58 while Anglo Irish gave up 3c to €12.77. AIB eased 2c to €17.90 with 2.75 million shares traded on the day. Irish Life and Permanent nudged 1c ahead to €17.13.

Construction giant CRH fell 44c following the US Commerce department releasing disappointing December figures on housing starts and permits. Kingspan also weakened 13c to €11.07. Grafton Group dipped 5c to €9.45.

Other main movers included Elan, which suffered further losses to close down at €11.80 with a 36c decrease in share price. DCC slipped 20c despite peer group IT Division releasing a positive trading statement. C&C finished lower on the day, down 5c to €5.58.