Bourse gives up gains

THE ISEQ paused for breath yesterday to give up some of its recent gains.

The index closed 10.19 points lower at 4501.38.

The bulk of this decline came from the financial sector. Allied Irish Bank gave up 40c to 14.00 and Bank of Ireland fell 30c to 12.50 on profit taking. Also weaker was Anglo Irish Bank, 10c off at 6.20. Bucking this trend was Irish Life and Permanent who added 35c to 12.60 with the ISEQ Financial index finishing the week at 9211.78, down 170.19 points.