Lack of confidence hits markets

POOR consumer confidence figures in the US knocked the markets sideways yesterday as the worst figures in two years spooked investors.

Having gained 1.6% on Wednesday the poor confidence survey saw markets fall with the S&P 500 down about 0.4% and the Nasdaq off 0.5% as they both lost earlier modest gain.

In Dublin, the ISEQ 100 held firm and was up by over 0.7% underpinned by the very positive economic outlook in Ireland.