Profit-taking weighs on market

THE ISEQ finished 51.72 points weaker at 6460.29 yesterday, as investors took their profits.

Banking stocks Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland lost 12c and 10c respectively, though on modest trading volumes. At its AGM Anglo-Irish said that it had made a good start to the year, the stock slipped 3c to €18.92. Irish Life & Permanent gave up 17c to close at €14.00.

In construction, CRH fell 19c to €20.55, McInerney lost 10c while Grafton Group eased a cent.

Budget Carrier Ryanair saw 3.9 million shares traded, and dropped 12c to €5.88 ahead of Monday's results. Waterford Wedgwood said it is to compulsorily acquire outstanding shares in Royal Doulton, and finished at 7c.

IAWS lost 20c to €12.15, while Elan fell 18c to €20.40.