Financials lead market lower

THE ISEQ was in positive territory for most of the day's trading yesterday, but at the closing bell the index was 30.23 points weaker at 5440.39.

The main financials were all lighter. Bank of Ireland closed 21c softer at €10.77. Allied Irish Bank lost 19c to €12.51 while Anglo Irish Bank slipped to €12.75. Irish Life & Permanent saw 35c wiped off Wednesday's close.

Construction stocks were mixed; Grafton Group gained 6c to €6.64 while Heiton slipped to €6.53. CRH added 12c to €17.48.