Shares hit by profit-taking

SHARES in Dublin fell for the first day in four as profit-taking in the banking stocks weighed on the index. The ISEQ finished 28.18 points lighter at 6304.61 at the closing bell.

The financial sector shed 82.93 points as investors cashed in on increased prices. AIB traded as low as €16.85 during the day but recovered in later trading to finish up 5c at €16.93. Competitor Bank of Ireland gave up 13c to €12.90 while Anglo-Irish took a hit, down 26c.

Pharmaceutical company Elan rose on the back of news that it has completed the retirement of remaining $31 million of its 2008 debt with an annual interest saving of $16 million. The share price advanced 22c to €5.60.